Beer #136: Gouden Carolus Classic

Beer: Gouden Carolus Classic

Brewery: Het Anker Brewery, Mechelen, Belgium

Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale

Serving Type: 330 ml bottle

Price: $4.99 / bottle

Availability: Year-round

Glassware: Goblet

Strength: 8.5% ABV (alcohol by volume)

Drinkability: Outstanding!  This is a beer not to be taken lightly… a complex brew to sip, savor and enjoy!  For the fullest flavor, serve at cellar temperature (50-55 F degrees)

Tasting Notes

Appearance:  Deep chestnut brown with a thin, fizzy, cream-colored head

Aroma: Rich fruity fig, chianti, and balsamic

Mouthfeel: Creamy, velvety and smooth

Taste: Initial chewy fig-newton sweetness into a lucious, juicy middle of plum, tart bing cherry, caramel and toffee.  A sweet, thick, tart and slighlty sour finish reminiscent of balsamic with a touch of earthy chestnut, slightly buttery, with a hint of bitter chicory.

Pairing: Simply enjoy on its own, or pair with one of my favorite dishes, pork tenderloin with carmelized onions and blueberries in a balsamic reduction.

Trivia: Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, was brought up in Mechelen, Belgium and was known to favor the ales from the local Het Anker brewery.