{"title":"Piraat","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"piraat-4pk","title":"Piraat 4Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePiraat 4Pk\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Belgian strong ale brewed by Brouwerij Van Steenberge, sold as a four-pack of 330ml bottles at 10.5% ABV. A World Beer Cup Gold Award winner, Piraat stands apart through its use of distinctive wine yeasts — the same strains employed in the celebrated Gulden Draak — giving it a deceptively smooth, complex character that belies its formidable strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 10.5%  |  Origin: East Flanders, Belgium  |  Style: Belgian Strong Ale  |  Brewery: Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V. (Est. 1784)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrouwerij Van Steenberge, founded in 1784 in the village of Ertvelde in East Flanders, remains one of Belgium's most storied independent breweries. Piraat is brewed with a grain bill of barley malt and rice alongside sugar, hops, and yeast, then re-fermented in the bottle — a traditional Belgian technique that builds carbonation naturally and adds layers of flavor complexity during conditioning. The critical differentiator is the brewery's use of proprietary wine yeasts, shared only with its flagship Gulden Draak, which impart a vinous depth and remarkable drinkability rare in beers exceeding 10% ABV.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with a sharp, slightly sour edge before giving way to fruity esters of banana and a faint dusty, bready grain quality. Beneath those top notes, hints of butterscotch and rum-like warmth emerge as the beer warms in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is medium-sweet with bready malt and ripe banana, moving quickly into a mid-palate where butterscotch richness mingles with lemongrass and a distinct coriander-like spiciness. The peak delivers a titillating alcoholic blast — warm but not scorching — balanced by low hop bitterness and light Belgian yeast character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is long and warming, with a strong sourish bitterness that cuts through the residual sweetness cleanly. Lingering notes of rum-soaked fruit and gentle spice fade gradually, inviting the next sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Piraat\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePiraat is best served at cellar temperature (50–55°F) in a tulip glass or goblet, which concentrates the aromatic complexity and allows the dense carbonation to express fully. Sipping it slowly and neat rewards patience, as the flavor profile shifts meaningfully as it warms. For a Belgian Strongbow cocktail, its spicy sweetness pairs well with fresh lemon juice and a touch of honey. In a Flemish Buck, combine it with ginger beer and a lime wedge, where the ale's fruit and spice amplify the ginger. It also works surprisingly well as the base in a beer-tail riff on a Dark \u0026amp; Stormy, replacing rum with Piraat to leverage its natural rum-like undertones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a craft beer enthusiast who appreciates high-ABV Belgian classics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a Belgian beer tasting evening alongside Duvel and Gulden Draak\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a rich charcuterie or cheese board on a cold evening\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring for up to several years to develop additional complexity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Piraat taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Piraat delivers a medium-sweet, bready malt base layered with banana, butterscotch, and coriander-like spice, followed by a firm sourish bitterness and a warming 10.5% ABV alcoholic presence that finishes long and complex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Piraat compare to Duvel?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are strong Belgian ales, but Piraat runs considerably higher in alcohol (10.5% vs. Duvel's 8.5%) and leans more toward malty sweetness and spice, while Duvel is drier, more effervescent, and hop-forward. Piraat is often described as a boozier, more full-bodied counterpart to Duvel's crisp elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Piraat good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its bottle-refermented complexity and layered flavor profile make it a natural sipper, best enjoyed slowly in a tulip glass at cellar temperature to let the aromas and warmth develop fully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Piraat made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Piraat is brewed at Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V. in Ertvelde, a village in the East Flanders province of Belgium. The brewery has operated at this location since its founding in 1784.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Piraat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aged Gouda or Gruyère complement the butterscotch and malty sweetness. Roasted pork belly matches the beer's rich body and spice. Mussels in a cream sauce echo its Belgian origins and play against its carbonation. Spiced apple tart harmonizes with the banana and coriander notes. Dark chocolate with sea salt contrasts beautifully with the residual sweetness and warming finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Piraat come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e This listing is a four-pack of 330ml (11.2 oz) bottles; Piraat is also commonly available in a 750ml bottle and occasionally on draft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Piraat worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Piraat positions as a premium Belgian strong ale, and its bottle-refermented production, proprietary wine yeasts, and 10.5% ABV place it firmly in the specialty tier — delivering significant complexity and intensity that justify its standing among top-rated Belgian ales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Piraat?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe use of proprietary wine yeasts — shared only with Gulden Draak within Van Steenberge's portfolio — gives Piraat a vinous smoothness that most strong ales at this ABV simply cannot match. Its World Beer Cup Gold Award and consistent scores of 91 on BeerAdvocate and 92 on Ratebeer confirm it as a critically recognized benchmark in the Belgian strong ale category. Brewed at a family-operated brewery with roots stretching back to 1784, Piraat carries genuine heritage rather than manufactured provenance. For drinkers seeking a bold, bottle-conditioned Belgian ale that balances power with complexity, few four-packs deliver this level of depth.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Piraat","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838749929641,"sku":"33857","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Piraat4Pk.webp?v=1738459355"},{"product_id":"piraat-750ml","title":"Piraat 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePiraat 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 10.5% ABV Belgian Strong Ale brewed by Brouwerij Van Steenberge, bottled in a 750ml format. Winner of a Gold Medal at the 2012 World Beer Cup, this unfiltered, bottle-refermented ale stands apart from the Belgian strong ale pack through its distinctive use of wine yeast during fermentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 10.5%  |  Origin: Ertvelde, East Flanders, Belgium  |  Style: Belgian Strong Ale  |  Brewery: Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrouwerij Van Steenberge has been brewing in the village of Ertvelde, near Ghent, since 1784 — making it one of Belgium's oldest independent family breweries. Piraat is brewed with barley malt, hops, sugar, and notably wine yeast, a choice that lends the beer a vinous complexity uncommon in the Belgian strong ale tradition. The beer is unfiltered and unpasteurized, with a secondary refermentation in the bottle that builds natural carbonation and allows the flavor to develop over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sweet caramel and bready malt greet the nose first, followed by subtle herbal and citrusy esters. Orange zest and a faint Belgian yeast spiciness round out the bouquet, hinting at the complexity within.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is rich and sweet with caramel malt and ripe dried fruit — think raisins and figs. The mid-palate opens into peppery phenolics, lemongrass, and bready grain, with the wine yeast contributing a layered, vinous depth. Clove spice and a well-integrated alcohol warmth emerge as the flavors build, balanced by a moderate hop bitterness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderately long with a dry hop bite and lingering black pepper spice over a bready malt backbone. A carbonic bite keeps things lively, while the warmth of 10.5% ABV settles in gently without becoming harsh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Piraat\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePour into a tulip glass or Belgian goblet at 46–50°F to let the complex aromatics fully express themselves; this beer rewards patient sipping neat. A \u003cstrong\u003eBelgian Beer Spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e — Piraat topped with a splash of sparkling water and an orange twist — tames the ABV while highlighting the citrus notes. A \u003cstrong\u003eStrong Ale Shandy\u003c\/strong\u003e blending Piraat with fresh lemonade works well in warm weather, as the caramel malt pairs beautifully with tart citrus. For a cocktail-minded approach, try it in a \u003cstrong\u003eBeer Flip\u003c\/strong\u003e — shaken with a whole egg, simple syrup, and nutmeg — where the wine yeast character adds a richness most ales cannot match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSharing with fellow Belgian beer enthusiasts during a tasting session\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a multi-course dinner as a conversation-starting centerpiece\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to a craft beer collector who values World Beer Cup medal winners\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring for special occasions — the bottle refermentation allows graceful aging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Piraat taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Piraat delivers a rich blend of caramel malt, dried fruit (raisins and figs), and peppery phenolics, layered with citrus esters and a warming but well-integrated 10.5% alcohol presence. The wine yeast fermentation adds a vinous depth that distinguishes it from more straightforward Belgian strong ales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Piraat compare to Duvel?\u003c\/strong\u003e Piraat is notably sweeter, maltier, and spicier than Duvel, with a higher ABV (10.5% versus Duvel's 8.5%) and a richer body due to its wine yeast fermentation. Duvel leans drier and more effervescent, while Piraat favors depth and warming complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Piraat good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — at 10.5% ABV with layered fruit, spice, and malt flavors, Piraat is built for slow, contemplative drinking from a proper Belgian glass. The unfiltered, bottle-refermented character reveals new nuances as it warms slightly in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Piraat made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Piraat is brewed at Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V. in Ertvelde, a village near Ghent in the East Flanders province of Belgium. The brewery has been family-owned and operating at the same site since 1784.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Piraat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich stews like Belgian carbonnade flamande complement the caramel malt beautifully. Aged Gouda or Gruyère echoes the beer's nutty, caramel depth. Roasted pork belly matches its sweetness and spice. Fig and walnut tarts mirror the dried fruit notes. Blue cheese like Roquefort stands up to the assertive ABV and peppery finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Piraat come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Piraat is commonly available in 750ml bottles as well as 330ml bottles, with the larger format being ideal for sharing and allowing more controlled pouring of the sediment from bottle refermentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Piraat worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Piraat positions as a premium Belgian strong ale, and the 750ml bottle delivers strong value given the Gold Medal pedigree, 10.5% ABV, and the complexity that wine yeast and bottle refermentation bring to each pour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Piraat?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe use of wine yeast is the detail that separates Piraat from the crowded field of Belgian strong ales — it introduces a vinous character that pure brewer's yeast simply cannot replicate. That distinction earned it a Gold Medal at the 2012 World Beer Cup, validating what Belgian beer devotees had long recognized. Unfiltered, unpasteurized, and refermented in the bottle, Piraat retains a living complexity that evolves with each sip and rewards patient cellaring. For drinkers who find standard Belgian blondes and tripels too restrained, this 10.5% ABV ale delivers the power and depth to match its pirate swagger.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Piraat","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838750421161,"sku":"12214","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Piraat750ML.webp?v=1738458344"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/piraat.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}