Het Anker — Gouden Carolus Cuvée van de Keizer Imperial Dark (2020) Belgian

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

The 2020 vintage of Gouden Carolus Imperial Dark pours deep mahogany with a slow-rising tan crown, releasing a soft fruity aroma threaded with dark plum, raisin and warming spice. The palate unfolds with rich roasted malt and caramel, layered over dried fruit and a whisper of cocoa. Bottle conditioning lends a fine-beaded effervescence that lifts the dense malt body, while the 11% ABV settles into a warm, round finish. With cellar age, the spice softens and the fruit deepens toward fig and dark cherry, gaining notable vinous complexity.

Food Pairing

Pair with slow-braised oxtail or game stew, where the roasted malt and dried-fruit depth mirror the dish’s caramelized richness. For dessert, try a wedge of aged Chimay Trappist cheese alongside dark chocolate truffles, letting the beer’s plum and raisin notes echo the chocolate while its warming spice cuts through the cheese’s creamy intensity.

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.