Gouden Carolus Cuvée Van De Keizer Rood

Leaning heavily on Flemish roots, Brouwerij Het Anker produces a line of fairly high alcohol beers including Cuvée van de Keizer Rood, Although a high octane brew at 10 percent ABV, this is a drinkable Belgian golden ale, overflowing with aromas of pears, bread, and garden herbs. Tom enthused over the fruity “tart apple/pear” note mingling with hints of hearth baked bread, and commended the well-integrated alcohol presence. Pete caught initial whiffs of lemon peel and tangerines, with sweet clover honey tucked in behind them. Unlike Tom, Pete felt the alcohol was just a bit overdone. A decidedly cloudy, somewhat chunky-looking brew, this beer fills the glass with a slightly milky golden hue, ringed by a small collar of white foam. Alcohol plays a starring role in the flavor, supported by notes of Mandarin orange and pepper, along with a firm hop bitterness. Pete immediately picked up on a “sweet, orangey peach-like fruitiness” that left the beer out of balance. He also noted the substantial punch of alcohol, noting that the beer “finishes dry and hot.” Lee’s first impression was “boozy,” followed by “sticky malt sweetness with low floral hops.” He enjoyed the notes of “tropical fruits, cloves, and pepper,” but felt the overall impact was too sweet and lacking in finesse. Strong and intensely flavored, this beer is the perfect substitute for the traditional after dinner tawny port.