This strong artisan brown ale is crafted by the Het Anker brewery in Mechelen Belgium in limited quantities, once a year. Every year on the 24th of February, in celebration of the birthday of "Charles V", the Brewery brews the Gouden Carolus "Cuvee of the Emperor" in a limited quantity and with an eye on the highest quality and tradition since the early 1500s.
This is perhaps my single most favorite beer of all time (a very bold statement). I've had bottles every year from 2000 through 2011. I have found the elevated alcohol content in '04 and '10 has not distracted the taste buds from it's complexity and fine aroma of bottles pre-2004. Although this beer is 100% natural (no preservatives), it can be aged for years. I've found it matures to prime drinking age between 6 months and 3 years. The oldest bottle I've aged was a bottle from 2003 aged for 4 years in a closet. If you are going to age a Grand Cru, keep it in a dark place with a relatively constant temperature and make sure it's got company from a few more bottles and keep it out of sight! It's hard to resist, knowing it's there. I've had plenty of bottles opened the day I purchased them. It's simply divine right from the start. The Gouden Carolus Grand Cru is a gorgeous burgundy maroon color and forms an ivory-white head and has just the right amount of carbonation.
Beer Bloggle Score: 100% - FANTASTIC!
Alcohol: was 8.5% in 2000-2002, 10% in 2003 and 11% in 2004 through 2008.
Pairing: Goes well with about any flavorful meal, but perhaps best with steak or Italian. It can also serve as an after-dinner beer paired with a mild desert or chocolate.
Temperature: Serve chilled but not cold, 52-56 F (11-13 C).
Glass: Allow to "bottle breath" for about a minute before pouring into a wide mouth, low rimmed glass such as a goblet or snifter.
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