I picked a special beer out of my cellar for my 200th beer (in 200 days): The Gouden Carolus “Cuvée van de Keizer Blauw” … the 2007 brewing.   This beer is brewed every year on the 24th of February.  See this link for what others think of it and a little history behind the brew.

This beer can be “cellared” for up to 10 years … so mine I’ve had for two years … I thought it was time to drink it. (Yes, I bought the 2007 in 2008).  In all fairness on the rating, this is a “mish-mash” of different years … although most of the ratings are high for this beer, there is no particular rating for a specific year.  I “think” this is a bottle conditioned beer, so the flavor will change from year to year and as you cellar it.

Here’s a picture of my 2007 … I poured it in three glasses (to share with my daughters).  I drank the Orval glass and my daughters had a Gouden Carolus glass and an Ommegang glass.

The 11% ABV kind of sneaks up on you … the flavor on this beer was exceptional … I really enjoyed it … when poured, it is that nice ruby color — obviously the head retention won’t be long with this high of an alcohol content.  The body and character were right in target for the Belgian Strong ale style — I could easily drink more of these!

Fortunately, I will have the chance to drink at least two more … I also own the 2008 and 2009 releases! (nice dust build-up on my 2008  … hehe)

I definitely look forward to enjoying those in a couple of years!

Beer Mentor