Chicagoist: Chicagoist's "Beer of the Week": Piraat

Chuck

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 18:32:46 -0600

Erik: I can empathize. What I've found with beers of higher alcohol content - mainly those with secondary fermentation - is that if you let it sit a bit, you start to get more of the flavor of the beer coming out, as it loses its chill. Between the secondary fermentation and an alcohol content of over ten percent, you're encroaching into wine territory, and some of the rules of opening a wine begin to apply. The Van Steenberge website rcommends pairing Piraat with meat or fish dishes; I'd opt for something cooked with herbs. They say there's no better beer for cigars than Piraat, also. When I used to smoke cigars, I could proudly attest to that. Last week's "BotW" and next week's also make great cigar beers, if you suck on dog rockets regularly. S: I have a whisk and a bottle of Duvel handy. If I buy some Dogfish Head, I might have to try that.

s

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 17:38:22 -0600

I'm a huge Piraat fan. It's the perfect mix of a strong belgian ale and a strong IPA. I could not do better with a bottle of duvel, a bottle of dogfish head and a whisk.

erik

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 16:31:24 -0600

Piraat is a bit of an acquired taste. I first tried at a beer dinner with a dessert, a pineapple creme fraiche. With that it went really well, the banana/creamy-ness of the Piraat. I don't know I would want to drink all by it self, but its quite tasty paired with the right thing.

m500

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 11:44:04 -0600

Interesting choice, Chuck! I may have to revisit this beer. According to my Ratebeer rating from June of 2003 (I'm RatedX at ratebeer) I found it decent but boring. back then I was more excited about finding beers that were rare and brag-worthy. These days, I'm happy with my 22oz Three Floyds Dreadnaught from LUSH on Halsted in University Village... (even though at the moment I'm drinking a Stone 10th Anniversary IPA, purchased at the Liquor Stop in Highland,IN last weekend). cheers, keep the beers flowing! Joe M500

Ed

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 11:41:42 -0600

Piraat is definitely a great beer. Very good choice, chuck.