BREWERY // Beer has been brewed at the Het Anker location in the Belgian city of Mechelen since the early 15th Century when it was brewed for the local hospital. In 1872 the Van Breedam purchased and modernised the brewery and their beers became popular with the Dukes of Bergundy. In 1990 Charles Leclef (fifth Generation Van Breedam) took over the family business and brought with him new technology and ideas. He opened a hotel at the brewery and, in 2010, built a whisky distillery on the old family farm. (Considering whisky is simply distilled beer, it should be no surprise to hear Belgium is now producing World class drams.) As one of the oldest breweries in Belgium, it is a fascinating place to visit and see how things were done 600 years ago in comparison to today.
BEER // Every year on February 24th, Het Anker celebrate the birthday of Emperor Charles V who was born in nearby Ghent in 1500 by brewing a rare beer named Gouden Carolus Cuvée van de Keizer Imperial Dark (‘Grand Cru of the Emperor’). This incredible Belgian Strong Ale is a rich, complex, caramel, fruity 11% beer designed to be drunk at times of celebration. This week we are drinking a version of that beer which has been infused with the brewery's own Single Malt Whisky. The result is a unique imperial beer with touches of oak, vanilla and chocolate. It's best drunk slowly on a cool evening in good company. It was launched 3 years ago and has just been awarded Best Beer award for the 3rd time in the largest Belgian beer festival - Zythos. Of course, we think that every single Beer Of The Week is special. But perhaps some are even more special. Cheers!
We look forward to seeing your reviews, photographs and food pairings in the Beer Jerk Members Facebook Group and on Untappd!
BREWERY // Het Anker
BEER // Gouden Carolus Whisky Infused
STYLE // Imperial Belgian Dark
ORIGIN // Mechelen, Belgium
ABV // 11.7%
TEMPERATURE // Cellar Temperature - 10-12C
FOOD MATCH // Fries & Mayo. Fancy Dark Chocolate. Pancetta Wrapped Dates. Bread & Butter Pudding.
GLASS // Goblet. Wine Glass