Gouden Carolus Classic

Brewed by Brouwerij Het Anker
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Mechelen, Belgium

I’m sorry to swim against the tide on this, but I did not find it appealing at all, hich is a shame since I was looking forward to drinking it. The appearance was okay, but the aroma reminded me of a mixture of cane syrup and alcohol. The flavor had possibly a hint of dark fruit, but it was hard to tell over the predominantly sweet alcohol taste. Finish was likewise a thick, sweet syrupy sensation. Belgian Strong Ales are not my absolute favorites, but there are many that I have really enjoyed. Unfortunatley, this was not one of them, and I finally poured the last quarter down the drain...which really sucks given the price.

11.2 oz bottle. Pours a very light cola color, off white head that is thin but leaves decent lacing. Lazy carbonation activity. The aroma is very sweet, almost a chocolate with a yeasty dough hint. Also a hint of caramel and cinnamon. The taste is very interesting caramel and malty blend. Hints of spice in the background. The malty balance helps smooth the high alcohol. The mouthfeel is smooth and silky; overall a wonderful tasting and incredibly balanced darker belgian strong ale.

Fantastic beer, sweet & fruity nose, very inviting, so is the appearance & color, deep brown with a soft & lacing tan head, flavors of port, caramel, sugar & bread, had that signature carbonated bite that’s so enjoyable from Belgian beers, semi-sweet finish with more notes of caramel & yeast, very well balanced & enjoyable, awesome Belgian

Wow! I thought this was classified as a dubbel but it sure tastes like one! Beautiful dark brown pour with a generous 3 finger tan head. Aroma of yeast and dark fruit with caramel. Taste is strong and near perfect. A sandy mix of dark fruits, yeast, caramel and chocolate. Nice and thick mouthfeel that is perfectly carbonated. I need more of this!

This beer pours a nice dark amber/brown color that shows hints of crimson in when held up to the light. There was a two finger bubbly light tan head. The smell is awesome, with caramel, coffee, dried fruit, chocolate and candy. This beer coats your whole mouth and warms your soul going down. The taste is extremely complex with carmel, malt, nutiness and molasses. A very nice Belgian Strong Ale.

330ml. bottle. Dark brown with red highlights and a thick tan head. Aroma of sweet caramel, dark dried fruits and black licorice. The licorice really comes out in the flavor. Unfortunately, I am not a fan of anise flavored drinks. Bitter dark chocolate, molasses, dried fruits and some sweet spices round out the flavors.

0.33l bottle from a shop here in Split
Lovely dark brown colour with a thick, persistent spongy beige head. A pleasant sweetish nose that comes somewhere in between banana and bubblegum with heavier malty notes, spices, orange and a bit of cocoa. Not all that unlike my memory of Jacobite (albeit a bit milder). The taste is, well, classy. Lovely fruitiness, candified orange, notes of chocolate and weak hints of nougat, some weak roastiness and acidity. Warming in the finish. Another great Het Anker beer.

Pours an excellent dark brown with good lacing. Aroma is full with loads of dark fruits. The flavour is sweet caramel with a touch of smoked barley.