Must drink Stella in Stella stemware, or in bottles. Well tins are ok as well.
In fact, any Belgian ale in any container will do quite nicely.
May I recommend a bottle of:
Van SteenbergePiraatABV 10.5% • Vol 330 ml • bottle • Belgium • Mid-price • Flavour 7
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This is a very strong Belgian ale. It is pale golden in colour, with a thick, bubbly, very resilient head. There are lots of light phenols and esters on the nose, with a subtle touch of darker malt lurking in the background. On the palate it immediately makes its strength known through its potent alcohol mouthfeel and sweetness, but at the same time is surprisingly smooth and rounded in a warmingly spirit-rich, malty way. There is bitterness present, more easily attributable to malt flavours than hops, and dark, dry puddingy fruit notes such as raisins and sultanas. Its thickness in the mouth becomes cloying throughout the finish and well through the malty aftertaste. This is certainly a beer full of depth and character, perhaps a little sweet and unsubtle for some tastes, but nonetheless a quality strong ale. OBBD reviewer: Sparks ADD A COMMENT TO THIS BEER |
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Review updated 17 November 1998
Comments
A very nice beer, in the same style as Duvel, a strong golden ale. Hoppier in flavour, deeper in colour, stronger in alcohol and, dare I say it, much nicer in flavour than Duvel. Not quite so clean on the palate perhaps, but all the better for that. To be recommended. [Score: 9]
Ian
I drank the Piraat as well as Gulden Draak in a white bottle with Dustin Alcorn at one of our tasting sessions. Not taking any notes at the time, I remember alcohol taste, very strong. I would prefer a Duvel.
Darren Dieterich
I had this beer one evening after I had been drinking quite heavily so maybe my impressions of this strong golden ale aren't quite accurate. The nose was overwhemingly alcoholic with a tiny hint of hops. In the mouth it was definitely complex, but not nearly as refined as its golden ale counterpart, Duvel. This beer is by no means subtle, and is not for the timid or uneducated palate. Indeed it is a good beer, but not nearly as good as Duvel, and I will not be searching this one out anytime soon.
Dustin Alcorn
This beer is advertised as an IPA, but considered by most drinkers to be more of a strong triple, or strong ale. It is not really a direct competitor with Duvel as are Judas and Hapkin.
St. Inebrius
Is absolutely the best!!!! Really!!!
Nadir
Have you reviewed the 9% version of this beer?
[No - though we'd be interested to know how the two versions differ -ed]
Derek Smith
Aw, man! A Piraat's life for me!!
Mike Elliott
No finer beer on Earth...3 Piraat's will make you famous!!!
Joe Bad
Nice golden colour when poured, then seems to fade a little. Very sweet, strong alcoholic smells. A dominate hoppy and bitter aftertaste. I can see the (slight)comparison to a Duvel...but dosent hide the alcohol anywhere near as well.The strong phenol notes masks everything else.Too brutish for mine.
HopsHappy
INDEED!! this beer is absolutely delicious anyone appreciating good belgian beer has to try this one!! brilliant!!
STYMIE
I'm going to have to agree with HopsHappy. This beer is just too bitter. If you want such a strong taste, you can drink whiskey.
Howie S.
There are strong family resemblances to Boucanier- the blonde variety. Of the two I prefer Piraat, its being rather more flavoursome, perfumed, and heavily caramel in outlook. I drink no more than 150ml of these powerful beers at a sitting in order to retain my sense of discrimination; it is a complete waste of time, I find, attempting to apply one's critical appreciation to beer when the senses are dulled.
eric8g
I remember this stuff from when I lived in N London years ago. The local Oddbins used to stock it occasionally. It has to be the most flavoursome strong beer I have ever tasted. Exquisite!
Small Tim Bigheart
The 9% version I found to be very close to Duvel you could say it's a piraated copy :-) there is no sweetness there it's bitter and dry, also the label on the bottle is more upmarket than the one above.
David Piggford
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