Jopen B.V. - Meesterstuk 2025

Jopen's Meesterstuk (“Masterpiece”) 2025 is an Imperial Pastry Stout crafted to commemorate the brewery's 30th anniversary. The 11.11% ABV is a nod to St. Martin, the patron saint of the Haarlem Brewers Guild, whose feast day is November 11th – which is also the day Jopen celebrates their anniversary. Meesterstuk is brewed every year, with the recipe changing somewhat each time. Previous versions have included such special ingredients as blueberries, hazelnuts, milk chocolate, and cinnamon, and have been crafted to evoke the character of different types of desserts like seasalt caramel brownies or Mexican cake.

This year’s rich and complex beer is brewed with barley, wheat, oats, vanilla, lactose, stroopwafels, and marshmallows, resulting in a multifaceted tasting experience. It pours a deep brown to jet black in the center, characteristic of imperial stouts. The head retention is moderate, leaving sticky lacing on the glass. The nose is greeted with sweet notes of marshmallow and chocolate, accompanied by subtle hints of smokiness, reminiscent of a campfire setting. There are dominant notes of burnt sugar and buttery caramel from the stroopwafels with hints of vanilla and cinnamon, mirroring the classic stroopwafel filling. Underlying tones of dark chocolate, cocoa, and roasted coffee add complexity with other deep aromas of syrup-soaked waffles coming through when the brew warms up a bit.

The initial sip of Jopen Meesterstuk 2025 bursts with caramel, toffee, and vanilla, closely mimicking a fresh stroopwafel. Layers of bittersweet chocolate and espresso balance out any sugary elements that might seem too sweet. A mild cinnamon or nutmeg warmth, echoing the Dutch treat’s subtle spice character, comes through with every sip. As an imperial stout, expect some warming alcohol presence; this one is at 11.11%, but it’s not off putting, and actually comes on quite subtly. Despite its pastry stout sweetness, a moderate bitterness from roasted malts and hops provides depth. The mouthfeel is creamy and smooth, attributed to the lactose and oats leaving a silky texture on the palate. The finish is long and decadent, with lingering notes of stroopwafel, marshmallows, and cocoa. A mild dryness from the roasted malts prevents the sweetness from being cloying. This stout is indulgence in a glass, combining the comforting flavors of stroopwafels with the rich, bold characteristics of an imperial stout. The Jopen Meesterstuk 2025 is a Rare Beer Club exclusive in very limited quantities, so stock up while you can.

The Jopen Meesterstuk 2025 drinks amazingly now and, per the brewery, can mature into 2044. Pairing this outstanding pastry stout with Oklahoma onion smash burgers, barbeque brisket, or smoky ribs is a great way to enjoy it – and don’t forget the stroopwafels for dessert. Cheers!

From the 14th century onward, Haarlem flourished as a hub of brewing culture. Today, Jopen continues this legacy, crafting both historic and innovative beers in the heart of the city. Their brewery, housed in a beautifully restored church, serves as a pub, restaurant, and a testament to Haarlem’s rich brewing history.

Jopen’s story immediately captivated us, and their exceptional beers sealed the deal. One standout is the Jopen Koyt Gruitbier, a beer we’ve featured before, which dates back to at least 1407. During that time, Haarlem was a major brewing center, with its beers transported along the Spaarne River. However, this golden age of brewing came to an end when the city’s last brewery closed in 1916.

In the 1990s, the Haarlem Beer Society set out to revive this lost tradition, coinciding with Haarlem’s 750th anniversary. Using rediscovered recipes from 1407 and 1501, they recreated historic brews that proved to be exceptional. The first was Hoppen, based on a 1501 recipe, marking the beginning of what would become Jopen. Their official brewery, Jopenkerk, opened in November 2010 inside a former church, now home to a grand café, restaurant, and meeting spaces.

Beyond Jopen Koyt Gruitbier, the brewery continues to impress with a diverse lineup. Hoppenbier, a golden recreation of the hoppy 1501 recipe, stands out alongside Gerstebier, inspired by a 19th-century session-strength bitter ale. Ongelovige Thomas (Doubting Thomas) offers a bold, hoppy quadrupel, while Malle Babbe brings a unique take on a hoppy wheat beer with weizen clove character and vibrant Saphir hops.

As one of our two featured Rare Beer Club selections this month, we’re excited to offer Jopen’s 2025 Meesterstuk Imperial Pastry Stout. This exclusive, limited-edition release builds on their renowned annual Meesterstuk line of Imperial Pastry Stouts and is brewed with barley, wheat, oats, vanilla, lactose, stroopwafels (“syrup-waffle” – a sort of thin waffle-like Dutch cookie), marshmallows, and hops. Available in the USA only through the Rare Beer Club.

For the latest from Jopen, visit their website at jopenbier.nl.