Gouden Carolus Noël (Christmas)

Medium, fluffy head that dissipates quickly. Aroma of alcohol, sweet fruit. Clear with an amber hue. Average carbonation, medium body. Taste yeast, fruit, sweetness, alcohol. Finishes smooth and sweet which is very impressive for such a high alcohol content ale. Good stuff!

750 ml bottle. Pours to a murky, garnet color, with a thick, creamy, off white head, and a lively carbonation. The nose is very inviting, with lots of big aromas of toffee, sweet malt, fruity esters of apple, and peppery alcohol. The palate is firm with good toffee and caramel malt flavor, paired with a really delicious, estery/apple flavor, and hints of spicy yeast. This beer finishes with more good toffee and apple notes up front, then ends with some soothing, alcohol warmth that lingers. Really a delcious beer, packed with big aromas and flavors. Very drinkable for a 10% abv beer. A great Christmas brew to sip and savor by a roaring fire. The fruity esters in this one almost give it a hard cider character to it, and with the malt character, this beer tastes like an alcoholic caramel apple. I really enjoyed this one.

Bottle. High and lasting off-white head. Hazy red brown body. Aroma dominated by anis and other spices that I cannot figure out. Licorice flavour with a touch of lemon and again spices I cannot recognise. The high alcohol percentage is well hidden. Long aftertaste of licorice. Of course the result is still quite sweet, nevertheless well done.

On tap at the Duck Saloon. Aroma was hoppy with lots of yeasty spice undertones. Has lots of plum and sugar flavour thoughout with nice balance and flavour thorughout. Very complex and tasty.

Bottle, 2006 (the one rated). Aroma is sweet with caramel, yeast and a little banana. Flavour is alcohol, sweetness and caramel. 2003: Raisins, ripe fruit, caramel and prunes. Delicious aroma. Flavour is sweet with raisins though quite light if palate. 9-4-6-3-15

Bottle sampled with Beerded one. Pours dark bronze with a large light tan head. Aroma of black licorice, spices galore, fruit, and citrus. The flavor is smooth, loads of amazing spices, licorice, citrus, moderate carbonation, and fruit. Excellent brew.

750 ml bottle. Dark amber colourw ith a mostly diminishing fizzy and frothy off-white head. Licorice, light toffee aroma. Yeasty and toffee flavours with some light anise. Medium body, effervescent.

From draft. Golden brown, semi-transparent colored pour with a thin finger of creamy beige head. An aroma of medicinal spiced cherries, a touch of bourbon, and a hit of anise blend in a bit of a boozy fashion. Light bodied, full flavored mouthfeel. Caramels and prunes create a richly malty body, but this is seasoned with a menthol spice that leaves a medicinal taste lingering on my taste buds. Too hot on the finish as well.