Het Anker — Gouden Carolus Cuvée van de Keizer Imperial Dark (2018) Belgian

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

The 2018 vintage of Gouden Carolus Imperial Dark pours deep mahogany with a soft, fruity aroma that hints at the complexity within. Roasted malt and caramel form the warm backbone, layered with dark plum, raisin and dried fruit notes that have rounded beautifully through years of cellaring. Gentle spice weaves through the palate, lifting the rich sweetness and lending an imperial poise befitting its Mechelen heritage. Bottle conditioning has softened any sharp edges, leaving a velvety, port-like roundness on the finish. A contemplative sipper, generous in body and quietly powerful from start to lingering close.

Food Pairing

Pair with aged Belgian Trappist cheeses such as Chimay Grand Cru or Père Joseph, where the beer’s caramel and dried fruit echo the cheese’s nutty depth. Equally rewarding alongside dark chocolate desserts, flourless chocolate torte or chocolate-dipped figs, which mirror the roasted malt and plum-raisin character.

About Het Anker Brewery

Het Anker Brewery stands as one of Belgium’s most historic brewing institutions, tracing its origins to 1471 when it was founded by a Beguine community in Mechelen. After being acquired by the Van Breedam family in 1872 and renamed Het Anker in 1904, the brewery evolved from producing lagers to crafting distinguished Belgian ales that honor the city’s imperial heritage. The flagship Gouden Carolus range pays tribute to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, who was raised in Mechelen, with the name derived from the golden coins minted during his reign. The brewery’s specialty lies in traditional Belgian ale styles, including the exceptional Cuvée van de Keizer, brewed annually on Charles V’s birthday and available in both strong pale and dark versions. In 2010, Het Anker expanded into whisky production, establishing a distillery in Blaasveld where they distill single malt from the mash of Gouden Carolus Tripel. The brewery’s portfolio also includes the notable Lucifer ale, which earned recognition in a 2010 New York Times ranking of Belgian-style beers. Today, Het Anker combines centuries of brewing tradition with a brasserie and hotel, creating a complete experience centered around Flemish brewing excellence.