Ok, we’ve done some long, factually driven historical beer studies of late so time for a bit of fun perhaps? After all, there’s more than one way to write a tasting note…

Piraat Belgian Strong Ale

It is 1784 and Captain Orange Beard is thirsty. He has led a successful campaign of tyranny on the high seas for nigh on seven months, scuttling no less than five schooners, two naval frigates and one galleon, and although his sloop sails low in the sea thanks to a wealth of ill gotten gains, what he really wants is a drink!

The expansive monotony of sea surrounds him for miles in every direction, and so his thoughts turn to the assortment of stolen bounty that lies low below deck.

Coriander, spice and an assortment of citrus fruit from the South Indian seas, malt, patisserie and once-fresh bread plundered off the French coast and European hops accompanied by now empty barrels of strong ale from various victims caught in the English channel - the latter unfortunately consumed many moons ago after celebrating a close escape from the hands of the British Navy.

Then there was the gold too… and plenty of it… taken from a Belgian Naval frigate after a chase around Cape Horn and an exchange of cannon fire that had left it all but sunk.

But he'd give it all up right now for a drop of strong golden amber nectar.

Dreaming wistfully of his next ale, the sun beating down on him relentlessly, something looms into view on the horizon. It is the verdant shores of a Caribbean island no less and what looks to be a port. Fresh aromas of tropical fruit waft his way, raising his spirits and as he steers his sloop towards this oasis in the hope of liquid salvation, he feels safe in the knowledge that where there is civilization, there is almost certainly a bar...