Piraat
Piraat beer© BeerTourism.com
The Brewery
Beer Style
Sterk Amberbier - Strong Amber Beer
The Beer
Piraat beer was developed and launched in 1982 by Brouwerij Van Steenberghe in Ertvelde, situated near the city of Ghent. This strong amber beer was actually created at the request of the brewery's Italian importer. Interestingly Gulden Draak, the brewery's flagship brew, also saw the light due to a request from the same importer.
Brewed with natural ingredients, Piraat is a true strong amber speciality beer that re-ferments in the bottle. No less than three malt varieties are used to brew this beer (Pale Ale, Pilsener and Munich malt) as well as Aurora and Petra hops.
The use of these selected ingredients results in a beer that comes close in taste and style to the typical European’s IPA’s.
Where the classic Piraat comes close, Piraat Triple Hop, the younger and recently launched sibling can be classified as a 100%, uncut IPA. When creating this copper coloured beer, the brewery found inspiration in tales of pirates, who are notorious for their insatiable thirst..
Alcohol
10.5% ABV
Fermentation
Piraat is a top-fermented Belgian speciality beer, which re-ferments in either the bottle or barrel.
Ingredients
This beer is brewed with 100% natural ingredients; water, yeast, Pilsener, Pale Ale and Munich malt plus Aurora and Petra hops.
Colour & Transparency
When served correctly and poured into a clean and dry Piraat glass the beer develops a copper-amber colour, complimented by an impressive white collar of froth that lasts.
Serving Temperature
10 - 12 °C / 50 – 56.6 °F
Serving Glass
Piraat is served in an elegant, tulip-shaped branded glass. The glass sits on a tall stem, widening towards the top, allowing a beautiful head to form and the beer’s aromas to develop fully.
Character, Tastes & Aromas
Bitter, zesty (coriander and peach), malty and alcohol aromas are the main features of this degustation beer. Its taste is a symphony of malty (caramel) and sweet impressions complemented by hop bitters with an undercurrent of alcohol.
These first impressions are followed by a long finish that is slightly sweet with a trace of hop bitters.
Culinary
Piraat is a digestive beer with many culinary qualities. At the table it suits hearty and strong flavoured dishes such as game and foie gras.
The beer pairs up nicely with a cheese platter, especially ripened and refined cheeses such as a Remoudou, Wynendaele, Trou d’Sottai or Vieux Chimay.
As with everything in life beauty is in the eye of the beholder so don't be shy to experiment with this beer to find your own favourite food pairing combination.
Keeping and Storage
The beer will keep for 24 months in the bottle. On tap, it will keep for 12 months.
This is a beer that can be rested safely in a cool, dry and dark cellar. Thanks to the re-fermentation, the taste will continue to evolve in the bottle.
For optimal storage always keep the small bottles upright and the large ones laid down.
Availability
Bottle ✔ On Tap ✔
As with other beers brewed by Van Steenberge, Piraat is widely available in bottles (33cl, 75cl, 1.5l) and on tap (20l, 30l).
The brewery is both active and successful in it's export actives, so you should have no trouble finding Piraat beer outside of Belgium.
Other Brouwerij Van Steenberge Beers
Gulden DraakThe beer first saw the day of light as a one-off brew commissioned by the mayor of Evergem. It was added to the brewery's regular range when Italian guests of the brewery tried it and liked it so much they insisted on its continue ...
[ read more ]
Comments
You must be logged in to leave a comment
SHARE:
You Might Like
Brasserie Dubussion prides itself on tradition and taste and has opened a brand new visitors centre, the Beerstorium. Learn about the rich history, beers and brewing at the oldest brewery in Wallonia. You can visit this authentic Belgian brewery, see brewing in action, as well as taste some of their delicious brews for yourself, including their legendary Bush (Scaldis) beer range.
Kasteel Brouwerij Vanhonsebrouck, well known for it's "Kasteel" beer range, now offers their Bierkasteel beer experience; brewery visit, event location, restaurant, bar and shop.
This freemium App for IOS and Android lets you explore and find the best that Belgium's UNESCO recognised beer culture has to offer. Find breweries, bars, restaurants, festivals, events, experiences and beer shops; create you own beer trips and be your own tour guide!
Everything you ever wanted to know about (Belgian) beer under one roof. You get to feel, smell and taste ingredients and discover the typical Belgian beer styles. Come celebrate Belgian beer culture in heart of historic Bruges! Shop and bar are accessible without visiting the museum.
The Duvel Moortgat Brewery caters to everyone’s tastes with 3 different brewery experiences. From complete novice to experienced beer lover, Duvel has the brewery visit package for you.
BLOG
POSTS
Craftsmanship and balance at brewery Van Steenberge
ERTVELDE - To track down a brewer within his own domain is a high-ranking form of sports, or that’s the impression I get. After a bit of practice I spot Jef Versele, CEO of the Van Steenberge brewery, well hidden amongst... [ more ]
Brussels Beer Challenge 2019, and the winners are...
BRUSSELS/MONS - We’ve made our way down to the historic city of Mons (Bergen) for the eighth edition of the international Brussels Beer Challenge. A 90-strong jury is busy tasting; there are four morning sessions in a ro... [ more ]
Brugge Tripel contributes to renovation of Burgundian chapel of worship
BRUGES - This city draws you back in time to the heydays of the Burgundian era. After years of renovation works the Gruuthusemuseum has re-opened its doors. This former city palace is the showca... [ more ]
Brewers of Europe Forum 2019: Craftsmanship on the old continent
ANTWERP - Brewers from 59 different countries flocked to attend the Brewers of Europe Forum 2019 in the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hall, right next to the renowned Antwerp Central Station building. ... [ more ]
Brussels Beer Challenge 2018 - The results!
MECHELEN - The historic city of Mechelen, halfway between Brussels and Antwerp, is truly a hidden gem. The presence of the Dukes of Burgundy, who ruled here in the late middle ages, still permeates the ancient city centr... [ more ]
More Beer
Gulden Draak is served in a unique and specially designed glass, which represents a dragon's egg perched on a rock. Also remarkable is the striking opaque white bottle showing the ... [ more ]
Beer Tourism Newsletter Signup
Enter your name and email address on the right and click "SignUp" to join.