Piraat (pack of 4) (33cl, 10.5%)

Piraat is a Belgian strong ale brewed by Brouwerij Van Steenberge, sold as a four-pack of 330ml bottles at 10.5% ABV. It is a World Beer Cup Gold Award winner. It is brewed with barley malt and rice alongside sugar, hops and yeast, then re-fermented in the bottle. The brewery uses proprietary wine yeasts, shared only with Gulden Draak, which give it vinous depth and drinkability. The aroma opens with a sharp, slightly sour edge, then fruity banana esters and a faint dusty, bready grain quality, with butterscotch and rum-like warmth. The palate is medium-sweet with bready malt and ripe banana, then butterscotch, lemongrass and coriander-like spice, with a warm alcoholic peak. The finish is long and warming with sourish bitterness and lingering rum-soaked fruit.