Coaster Critique: Gouden Carolus Noel

On the Sixth Day of Beermas…..Label

Name: Gouden Carolus Noel

Brewed By: Brewery Het Anker

Style: Winter Ale

ABV: 10.5%

Poured a dark brown to black that glowed with crimson highlights when held to the light, pour raised a short off white head that fell to just a thin layer across the surface.

Smells slightly sweet, spices are noticeable, picking up some licorice and dark fruits.

Complex flavor, hints of dark chocolate, prunes, licorice stands out as the prominent flavor. The initial flavor is sweet but dries out at the end of the sip and leaves you with a spice aftertaste, reminds me of mint. The flavors are so strong that the alcohol is hidden almost completely and mostly reveals itself as a warming sensation after the swallow.

Overall an interesting beer, I’m not sure personally that I’m a fan, the black licorice flavor is quite strong and I enjoy that aspect of the beer but the finish reminds me of mint leaves and I’m not a fan of that. The bottle calls out the fact that the beer pairs well with game, meat stews and aged cheeses, I may have enjoyed this beer more with a proper pairing.

Cheers!

Chaddah

 

12 days of Beermas

Day 1: Harpoon Brewing Co. Winter Warmer

Day 2: Gritty McDuff’s Brewing Company, Christmas Ale

Day 3: Schneider Weisse, Aventinus Eisbock

Day 4: Rogue Ales, Santa’s Private Reserve Ale

Day 5: Shipyard Brewing Company, Mint Chocolate Stout

Day 6: Gouden Carolus, Noel

Day 7: De Struise Brouwers, Tjseeses

Day 8: Friars Brewhouse, Whoopie Pie Porter

Day 9: Slumbrew, Yankee Swap

Day 10: Ridgeway Brewing, Criminally Bad Elf

Day 11: Sierra Nevada, Celebration 2013

Day 12: Anchor Brewing, Our Special Ale

Chad Lothian

About Chad Lothian

Chad Lothian lives in Old Town, Maine. He is a craft beer enthusiast and homebrewer. Chad has travelled to brewpubs, breweries and brewfests all over New England.