Our Score: 79/100
Review: Brouwerij Het Anker Gouden Carolus Tripel
Overview
Brouwerij Het Anker’s Gouden Carolus Tripel scored a solid 79 out of 100 among beer connoisseurs on our panel, suggesting it decidedly enriches a beer lover’s palette. The brewers have fashioned something they describe as “pleasant golden blond beer,” preferred for its richness and refreshing qualities. They claim how even with its full-bodied flavor, it still quenches the thirst, thanks to a balanced hopping.
Aroma – 9/10
On the nose, the Gouden Carolus Tripel exhibits a confusing bouquet, best described as weirdly soapy hops. The aroma is pungently spicy due to its strong yeast character. If you strain your nostrils, you might catch a whiff of Pils malt, but it’s largely relegated to the background by the overwhelming presence of handmade soaps. The scent fully blossoms with a floral flourish accompanied by hints of lemon and lavender that add some zest to the otherwise dominant soapiness.
Appearance – 3/10
Unfortunately, when it comes to appearance, this beer lacks visual appeal. Its golden hue doesn’t quite invite admiration, which leads us to deduct some points in this department.
Flavor – 16/20
The flavor profile of Gouden Carolus Tripel is a trip in itself. Upon first sip, you are met with a sweet melody of honey malt and spice. The floral hops come into play next, accompanied by unusually floral esters that lend this Tripel a personality setting it uniquely apart from its counterparts. You will also find a mild but noticeable hop flavor, a characteristic strong orange citrus quality, and notes of black pepper. However, there is some presence of oxidation that we couldn’t overlook.
Mouthfeel – 4/5
The mouthfeel of this beer is pleasant enough and adds to its appeal, despite some of its other shortcomings. It retains some of the traditional smoothness Tripels are known for, but how it marries with the unorthodox flavoring could be a point of contention for beer purists.
Overall Impression
In sum, the Gouden Carolus Tripel seems intentional in its deviation from the classic Tripel archetype. The brewers took creative liberties that weren’t wholly successful, hampered by slightly discordant flavors and some detectable oxidation. Pairing the beer with light fish dishes seasoned with Herbes de Provence could go a long way in getting over the soapy undertone.
This beer could certainly be an acquired preference. If you seek a refreshing change from mainstream tastes and don’t mind a unique brew (and a bit of soap), give the Brouwerij Het Anker Gouden Carolus Tripel a whirl!
To the coriander that was added to the recipe, but also has a sweet fruity undertone from the Belgian yeast.
Overall, this beer seems to be a favorite among many, scoring high on our panel’s scale. Despite the unusual aroma, the flavors and balance in the beer make it a refreshing and enjoyable choice for beer drinkers.
To the addition of aromatic Belgian tripel yeast. The scent of sweet malt is also noticeably present.
Taste – 8/10
The Gouden Carolus Tripel has a complex yet balanced flavor profile. The initial taste is sweet and malty, followed by fruity notes of citrus and banana. The spicy hops and Belgian yeast add an interesting dimension to the taste, making it a unique and enjoyable experience.
Overall, this brew is highly recommended for anyone looking to try a well-crafted Belgian tripel with a distinct flavor and pleasant aftertaste. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it certainly stands out among similar beers in the market. Definitely worth giving a try!