Don't Be So Fresh
Most beers are made to be consumed as soon as possible. And many have a freshness date stamp to prove it.
But during my latest trip to the bottle shop, I was on a mission. I wanted to start my beer cellar collection. Yep, some beers get better with time. Like this one . . .
Gouden Carolus Cuvee van de Keizer Blauw is ideal for aging, thanks to its high alcohol content and special selection of Belgian hops.
I buy one to enjoy now, and one to tuck away somewhere and forget about for a while.
Trouble is, the one I bought for now is so good that it will be hard to resist having the second one soon. It tastes of dark fruits on the first sip, but not too heavy, with some nice clove and other warm spices that follow. And the alcohol is well hidden -- almost too well hidden.
Let's hope I forget where I hid that second bottle.
| The Beer Details Brewer: Brouwerij Het Anker (Mechelen, Belgium) Style: Belgian Strong Ale ABV: 11% Price: ~$11/ 750 mL bottle |
Impress Your Friends With ... |
Want this beer? This import beer has excellent distribution in the US, in about 30 states. And according to the brewer's website, the Keizer Blauw can be aged up to 10 years.
Erin Malone
is a Thursday Happy Hour contributing editor, providing the
what's-up of beer all over on Fridays. Have any beers you've been aging? Let me know in the comments below what you've got tucked away (so I can invite myself over when you uncork it). Or chat with me on Facebook.
That's may family beer your speaking of...I'm in Colorado-Family heritage-re this beverage is pretty cool!-Great to be a part of it!!
Posted by: Criss | August 12, 2009 at 02:08 PM
Wow, thanks for letting me know! This is one of my all-time favorite beers. And happens to be brewed on my birthday. I am in San Diego, but have been to the brewery in Mechelen. A wonderful beer!
Posted by: Erin Malone | August 13, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Yup. This beer is, hands down, one of the tastiest Belgians out there (and, therefore, one of the tastiest beers, period). My buddies and I are absolutely enthralled with Carolus Blauw. I had it about five years ago when first getting into Belgians and knew it was something special, but I didn't really know how special until about a month ago: knocked our socks off.
Posted by: Anna Reno | October 02, 2009 at 10:28 PM