Het Anker ‘Gouden Carolus’ Tripel

Rating:

“Despite the technological advances, this beer is brewed according to ancient tradition and unites, as before, the best raw materials from our soil as ripe barley and fine hops, to preserve a maximum of pure flavor. This beer was originally brewed for the Knights of the Golden Fleece in 1491.”

Glassware: Trappist tulip.

Appearance: Hazy golden orange with a fizzy two and a half finger head. Excellent retention and good lacing strewn down the glass.

Aroma: Slightly different to the likes of Duvel, Rochefort, Westmalle etc. This one displays more candied lemon, apple pie and a distinct musty-ness. There’s a fair whack of ginger in here too. More of the classic notes like orange/rind, lemongrass, florals, bubblegum, peppercorn and wheat grains coming through too.

Flavour: It has a bit of a Saison-esque edge to it which we also picked up in the aroma. Sweet honey malts, mixed herbs (lemongrass, coriander), wheat grains, ginger and candied lemon all slowly unfold. Picking up a bit of peppery spice as it finishes with sweet sugary lemon and ginger drawing out.

Mouthfeel: Slightly gassy, medium body, mildly lifted Co2. The 9% ABV is well hidden as most traditional Belgian Tripels are.

Overall: We’re huge fans of the style but there’s just a couple of things we weren’t fond of with this. The sugary lemon mixed with the ginger notes got a bit much by the end. Otherwise it ain’t too bad.