Cuvée Van De Keizer Rood (Red) | Brouwerij Het Anker
Brewed by:
Brouwerij Het Anker
Belgium | website
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 10.00%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by BeerAdvocate on 05-07-2008
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 146 | Ratings: 333
1.76/5 rDev -56.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 1 | feel: 1 | overall: 1.5
Jaargang 2013. Purchased at Binnies in Chicago. 750ml corked and caged bottle. Per the website, brewed with 3 different spices, OG=22° Plato, 17 EBU, 9.5 EBC (kinda like SRM). 10.0% ABV.
Pours out to a cloudy peach golden, forming a tall poofy off yellow head with very good retention and lacing, owing to it's brisk carbonation, ~3.5 carbs or so. The nose is of honey, candi sugar, a little dusty basement. The mouthfeel is effervescent, somewhat cloying, a bit boozy. Taste of melon, honey, candi sugar, then lots of booze. Hot peppery booze, followed by terrible notes of oxidation...wet newspaper and cardboard. Bitterness is metallic and tastes artificial, like poor quality hop extract. Aftertaste of damp cardboard, metallic twang. I had to literally choke this down and got about 4 oz into the bottle before I gave up.
A pretty awful beer full of flaws. This is a drain pour. Quite disappointed. One of the worst Belgian golden strongs I've ever had, and I've had quite a few.
Terrible.
★ 1,011 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 1 | feel: 1 | overall: 1.5
Jaargang 2013. Purchased at Binnies in Chicago. 750ml corked and caged bottle. Per the website, brewed with 3 different spices, OG=22° Plato, 17 EBU, 9.5 EBC (kinda like SRM). 10.0% ABV.
Pours out to a cloudy peach golden, forming a tall poofy off yellow head with very good retention and lacing, owing to it's brisk carbonation, ~3.5 carbs or so. The nose is of honey, candi sugar, a little dusty basement. The mouthfeel is effervescent, somewhat cloying, a bit boozy. Taste of melon, honey, candi sugar, then lots of booze. Hot peppery booze, followed by terrible notes of oxidation...wet newspaper and cardboard. Bitterness is metallic and tastes artificial, like poor quality hop extract. Aftertaste of damp cardboard, metallic twang. I had to literally choke this down and got about 4 oz into the bottle before I gave up.
A pretty awful beer full of flaws. This is a drain pour. Quite disappointed. One of the worst Belgian golden strongs I've ever had, and I've had quite a few.
Terrible.
★ 1,011 characters
4.18/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
750ML Bottle bottled on 8.29.2013
Appearance - hazy golden body with white head
Smell - ginger, coriander, pear, apricot, apple
Taste - apple, pear, ginger, coriander
Mouthfeel - Medium plus body, full carbonation, citrus sweetness upfront, ginger/coriander spice in the middle, dry and slightly tart finish
Overall - very good example of Belgian Strong Pale Ale. Somewhat difficult to find, but lovers of this style should give it a try.
Price Point - $11.99/750 ML Bottle
★ 481 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
750ML Bottle bottled on 8.29.2013
Appearance - hazy golden body with white head
Smell - ginger, coriander, pear, apricot, apple
Taste - apple, pear, ginger, coriander
Mouthfeel - Medium plus body, full carbonation, citrus sweetness upfront, ginger/coriander spice in the middle, dry and slightly tart finish
Overall - very good example of Belgian Strong Pale Ale. Somewhat difficult to find, but lovers of this style should give it a try.
Price Point - $11.99/750 ML Bottle
★ 481 characters
4.36/5 rDev +8.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
2011 vintage
Poured a hazy straw color with a stark white head. Stone fruits, pear, apple, age and cracker malts fill the nose. The taste follows the nose well with a substantial sweetness even after 5 years. Delicious.
★ 220 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
2011 vintage
Poured a hazy straw color with a stark white head. Stone fruits, pear, apple, age and cracker malts fill the nose. The taste follows the nose well with a substantial sweetness even after 5 years. Delicious.
★ 220 characters
4.8/5 rDev +19.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
From elcervecero. In Teku glass. Shared with Carlos. With cheese & pizza. Amazing in nose and delicious taste, very smooth and tasty, with a very pleasant sweetness. Alcohol well hidden
★ 185 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
From elcervecero. In Teku glass. Shared with Carlos. With cheese & pizza. Amazing in nose and delicious taste, very smooth and tasty, with a very pleasant sweetness. Alcohol well hidden
★ 185 characters
4.35/5 rDev +7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Just grabbed the last of two bottles at a local vendor of the 2013 vintage. I wrote a review of the Blauw (blue) variety of this limited edition vintage production a few years ago, and it remains the finest beer I have ever consumed. The Rood pours a slightly hazy 10 k gold with a massive fluffy meringue-like head.
The mouthfeel is simply liquid velvet; moderately bitter and slightly tart, the ample sugars balance this farmhouse style perfectly. The nose is balanced though somewhat understated, as soft tones of coriander and beet sugars gently rise from the glass.
Interestingly, I noticed some debris floating around the edge of the glass at the surface. Thinking it was some cork particles that had broken off, I pulled them out with my Finger. Turned out to be some barley hulls that were never fined or filtered. After reading a report on plastic particles found in 24 sampled varieties of German beer, I don't feel all that unfortunate.
A lighter and less bold Van De Keizer than the incomparable Blauw brown ale, we could consider this variant as the little sister; she rocks nonetheless.
★ 1,101 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Just grabbed the last of two bottles at a local vendor of the 2013 vintage. I wrote a review of the Blauw (blue) variety of this limited edition vintage production a few years ago, and it remains the finest beer I have ever consumed. The Rood pours a slightly hazy 10 k gold with a massive fluffy meringue-like head.
The mouthfeel is simply liquid velvet; moderately bitter and slightly tart, the ample sugars balance this farmhouse style perfectly. The nose is balanced though somewhat understated, as soft tones of coriander and beet sugars gently rise from the glass.
Interestingly, I noticed some debris floating around the edge of the glass at the surface. Thinking it was some cork particles that had broken off, I pulled them out with my Finger. Turned out to be some barley hulls that were never fined or filtered. After reading a report on plastic particles found in 24 sampled varieties of German beer, I don't feel all that unfortunate.
A lighter and less bold Van De Keizer than the incomparable Blauw brown ale, we could consider this variant as the little sister; she rocks nonetheless.
★ 1,101 characters
3.83/5 rDev -5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Nice looking golden, good carbonation, a bit soapy head though.
Smell of grain. Something hints towards sweet fruit.
Taste is strong bittersweet malt.
Quite boozy, more than I expected. Flavour doesn't totally cover the alcohol, which is a pitty.
Overall, this beer is powerfull and not easy. A bit rough, but very decent.
★ 322 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Nice looking golden, good carbonation, a bit soapy head though.
Smell of grain. Something hints towards sweet fruit.
Taste is strong bittersweet malt.
Quite boozy, more than I expected. Flavour doesn't totally cover the alcohol, which is a pitty.
Overall, this beer is powerfull and not easy. A bit rough, but very decent.
★ 322 characters
4.26/5 rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Cuvee Van De Keizer Rood pours a hazy straw color with a very high puffy white head of foam. As this 2015 review is for a 2009 bottle, I was surprised at how much carbonation was still present in the beverage. The aroma is malty, containing apple, grape, and maple syrup elements as well. Flavor-wise, I got more yeast than the aroma suggests, with plum and grape esters. The finish was so malty, it was not unlike eating 'whoppers' malted milk balls. Also, it had one of the most 'bready' mouth feels I have ever experienced. Not a bad thing. Overall, a fairly unique Strong Pale Ale that has aged very well.
★ 609 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Cuvee Van De Keizer Rood pours a hazy straw color with a very high puffy white head of foam. As this 2015 review is for a 2009 bottle, I was surprised at how much carbonation was still present in the beverage. The aroma is malty, containing apple, grape, and maple syrup elements as well. Flavor-wise, I got more yeast than the aroma suggests, with plum and grape esters. The finish was so malty, it was not unlike eating 'whoppers' malted milk balls. Also, it had one of the most 'bready' mouth feels I have ever experienced. Not a bad thing. Overall, a fairly unique Strong Pale Ale that has aged very well.
★ 609 characters
4.05/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
2008 vintage at 52 degrees into tulip
Aroma of fruit
Head small (<2 cm, aggressive pour), white, fizzy, rapidly diminishing to 2 mm ring
Lacing – none
Body golden, clear
Flavor sweet, raisins and grapes, short lived; no hops, no alcohol, no diacetyl
Palate medium to full, creamy, soft carbonation
Appearance 3.5, Aroma 3.5, Flavor 4.5, Palate 4, Overall 4
★ 359 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
2008 vintage at 52 degrees into tulip
Aroma of fruit
Head small (<2 cm, aggressive pour), white, fizzy, rapidly diminishing to 2 mm ring
Lacing – none
Body golden, clear
Flavor sweet, raisins and grapes, short lived; no hops, no alcohol, no diacetyl
Palate medium to full, creamy, soft carbonation
Appearance 3.5, Aroma 3.5, Flavor 4.5, Palate 4, Overall 4
★ 359 characters
4.3/5 rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured into a Duvel tulip. 2011 vintage.
A- Pours a hazy medium amber color with a 1/2 inch off-white head that retains well before becoming a thick ring around the edge of the glass and a half sheet of surface foam. Semi-resilient lacing leaves a broken ring behind.
S- Rich, herbal, yeasty aroma that's a bit effervescent. Maybe some Belgian candi sugar plus some white wine-like notes.
T- Breaks onto the palate with some fruity yeast and a solid alcohol punch. Zesty, slightly sweet. A tad bit of oxidation is present but provides some balance to the intense flavors. Mild breadiness from the malt. Yeasty aftertaste.
M- Tangy and bright with medium carbonation and a body leaning toward the lighter side.
O- A nice score of a pre-aged bottle I found on the shelf. Not as incredible as the Blue but still mighty tasty.
★ 835 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured into a Duvel tulip. 2011 vintage.
A- Pours a hazy medium amber color with a 1/2 inch off-white head that retains well before becoming a thick ring around the edge of the glass and a half sheet of surface foam. Semi-resilient lacing leaves a broken ring behind.
S- Rich, herbal, yeasty aroma that's a bit effervescent. Maybe some Belgian candi sugar plus some white wine-like notes.
T- Breaks onto the palate with some fruity yeast and a solid alcohol punch. Zesty, slightly sweet. A tad bit of oxidation is present but provides some balance to the intense flavors. Mild breadiness from the malt. Yeasty aftertaste.
M- Tangy and bright with medium carbonation and a body leaning toward the lighter side.
O- A nice score of a pre-aged bottle I found on the shelf. Not as incredible as the Blue but still mighty tasty.
★ 835 characters
4.12/5 rDev +2.2%
2008 vintage.
Notes of metal and tar are unexpected in aroma. There's an estery profile of banana, clove, pear skin, and apple accompanying a fairly sweet dark fruit and caramel malt backbone. Notes of figs and dates become more pronounced as it warms. Flavor is exceedingly sweet initially, with caramel malt and treacle dominance. Luckily, esters of tart green apple and pear, along with sherry oxidation, counter and add complexity. Still fairly hot, with alcohol warmth lingering in the finish.figs and dates add depth as it warms. Fairly complex beer, which will probably continue to age well.
★ 599 characters
2008 vintage.
Notes of metal and tar are unexpected in aroma. There's an estery profile of banana, clove, pear skin, and apple accompanying a fairly sweet dark fruit and caramel malt backbone. Notes of figs and dates become more pronounced as it warms. Flavor is exceedingly sweet initially, with caramel malt and treacle dominance. Luckily, esters of tart green apple and pear, along with sherry oxidation, counter and add complexity. Still fairly hot, with alcohol warmth lingering in the finish.figs and dates add depth as it warms. Fairly complex beer, which will probably continue to age well.
★ 599 characters
4.88/5 rDev +21.1%
2011 bottle
Golden haze color. Very sweet grain smell, but also a lot of spices as well. Cloves and peppery smell.
Flavor is very nice. Very sweet up front. Pepper comes through as well as the cloves and some cinnamon. The alcohol content is noticeable, but not overpowering at all. Spicy, dry finish. Excellent mouthfeel. Overall a very good beer.
★ 361 characters
2011 bottle
Golden haze color. Very sweet grain smell, but also a lot of spices as well. Cloves and peppery smell.
Flavor is very nice. Very sweet up front. Pepper comes through as well as the cloves and some cinnamon. The alcohol content is noticeable, but not overpowering at all. Spicy, dry finish. Excellent mouthfeel. Overall a very good beer.
★ 361 characters
3.81/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
2013 corked and caged 750ml bottle.
A good pop when I pulled the cork out. Despite a careful pour, I still get a 3 finger head of billowy foam. The colour is orange yellow and cloudy.
It smells spicy and fruity and yeasty. Coriander, very light clove, apple and probably peach.
The taste has the spice with the clove being more aggressive, coriander, and the fruit I mentioned in the smell. Some sweet flavour but also a mild hop bitterness in there as well. It finishes very dry. Alcohol is not intrusive.
Medium bodied and not too shabby a drinker, this is nice.
★ 568 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
2013 corked and caged 750ml bottle.
A good pop when I pulled the cork out. Despite a careful pour, I still get a 3 finger head of billowy foam. The colour is orange yellow and cloudy.
It smells spicy and fruity and yeasty. Coriander, very light clove, apple and probably peach.
The taste has the spice with the clove being more aggressive, coriander, and the fruit I mentioned in the smell. Some sweet flavour but also a mild hop bitterness in there as well. It finishes very dry. Alcohol is not intrusive.
Medium bodied and not too shabby a drinker, this is nice.
★ 568 characters
4.24/5 rDev +5.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured from a corked & caged 750 mL bottle into a Brewer's Art goblet. Gentle hand. Dated 02/05/2013.
A: Cloudy, golden yellow body with 1+ finger of sudsy, but thick, white head. Good retention. Impressive lacing.
S: Mellow, sweet Belgian yeast with a touch of spice. Coriander. Lighter clove. Grape, pear, apple, peach. Honey. Wheat notes, straw. Vanilla. There is some bubble gum and cotton candy that bring a certain uniqueness to this one.
T: Round, yeasty sweetness with a fruity character. Mild hop bitterness develops. Fairly dry finish and rather clean. A slight bit of lingering fruit on the aftertaste. Low alcohol presence for 10% ABV.
M: Moderately high carbonation with a moderate body. Simultaneously creamy and refreshingly effervescent. The latter helps offset the alcohol.
O: Very nice Belgian blonde with good complexity. Sweet, but lots of character, I thought. All around solid and dangerously drinkable for a 10%er.
Prost!
★ 954 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured from a corked & caged 750 mL bottle into a Brewer's Art goblet. Gentle hand. Dated 02/05/2013.
A: Cloudy, golden yellow body with 1+ finger of sudsy, but thick, white head. Good retention. Impressive lacing.
S: Mellow, sweet Belgian yeast with a touch of spice. Coriander. Lighter clove. Grape, pear, apple, peach. Honey. Wheat notes, straw. Vanilla. There is some bubble gum and cotton candy that bring a certain uniqueness to this one.
T: Round, yeasty sweetness with a fruity character. Mild hop bitterness develops. Fairly dry finish and rather clean. A slight bit of lingering fruit on the aftertaste. Low alcohol presence for 10% ABV.
M: Moderately high carbonation with a moderate body. Simultaneously creamy and refreshingly effervescent. The latter helps offset the alcohol.
O: Very nice Belgian blonde with good complexity. Sweet, but lots of character, I thought. All around solid and dangerously drinkable for a 10%er.
Prost!
★ 954 characters
4.13/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Received as a gift in Dec 2012, this 2009 vintage was poured into a large tulip.
I had no idea what to expect from this beer...obviously aged....
Appearance - kind of a dark straw color with a couple fingers of white head that would not go away. Slightly hazy which I though remarkable for a four year old beer.
Aroma - yeasty spiciness of clove but a lot of tropical fruit notes. Mango and pineapple. A hint of bubblegum. Light malt aroma, some caramel sweetness in the aroma. Thought there were some floral notes as well.
Taste - this took a while to grow on me. First sip was "what have I gotten into", then it started to unfold. Clear, clean malt background with slight spice flavors over the top. I got a tropical fruit blend - mainly mango and pineapple, but also a touch of apple as well. Very fruity, but a bit ambiguous. Definite sweetness in the cotton candy sense. Once it opened up and warmed up it was amazing. The alcohol was definitely present, but did not seem excessive. There was a little kick from the clove notes - just enough to know it is there.
Mouthfeel - medium bodied leaning towards heavy. Thick but not cloying feel for me. A very slight tingle from the alcohol which might have balanced off the lingering sweetness. There is a lot of "taste" remaining after the swallow - things lingered and added to the enjoyment.
Overall it took a while for this to make sense to me. It is complex and I spent a lot of time trying to unravel what was going on. Maybe too much...but an enjoyable beer that I would drink again. One to savor and linger over.
★ 1,576 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Received as a gift in Dec 2012, this 2009 vintage was poured into a large tulip.
I had no idea what to expect from this beer...obviously aged....
Appearance - kind of a dark straw color with a couple fingers of white head that would not go away. Slightly hazy which I though remarkable for a four year old beer.
Aroma - yeasty spiciness of clove but a lot of tropical fruit notes. Mango and pineapple. A hint of bubblegum. Light malt aroma, some caramel sweetness in the aroma. Thought there were some floral notes as well.
Taste - this took a while to grow on me. First sip was "what have I gotten into", then it started to unfold. Clear, clean malt background with slight spice flavors over the top. I got a tropical fruit blend - mainly mango and pineapple, but also a touch of apple as well. Very fruity, but a bit ambiguous. Definite sweetness in the cotton candy sense. Once it opened up and warmed up it was amazing. The alcohol was definitely present, but did not seem excessive. There was a little kick from the clove notes - just enough to know it is there.
Mouthfeel - medium bodied leaning towards heavy. Thick but not cloying feel for me. A very slight tingle from the alcohol which might have balanced off the lingering sweetness. There is a lot of "taste" remaining after the swallow - things lingered and added to the enjoyment.
Overall it took a while for this to make sense to me. It is complex and I spent a lot of time trying to unravel what was going on. Maybe too much...but an enjoyable beer that I would drink again. One to savor and linger over.
★ 1,576 characters
4/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a five+ finger white pillowy head that fades slowly leaving a good lace. Light cloudy amber color. Light citric nose. Good carbonation and medium bodied. Flavor is citrus, some sweetness, smooth, clean finish. $5.99 for a 330ml bottle from Julio's Liquors Marlboro, MA.
★ 275 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a five+ finger white pillowy head that fades slowly leaving a good lace. Light cloudy amber color. Light citric nose. Good carbonation and medium bodied. Flavor is citrus, some sweetness, smooth, clean finish. $5.99 for a 330ml bottle from Julio's Liquors Marlboro, MA.
★ 275 characters
4/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
750mL 2013 bottle poured into my lost abbey stemware glass
Golden straw color with a 2 finger white head that stays there for ever
Aroma is spicy, sweet , lots of fruit, flowers, apricots and subtle yeast.
Taste is sweet, caramel, spice, and apricots , banana , Sweet Hints of rum , brown sugar, yeast and raisins.
Nice crisp mouthfeel. Carbonation is really great , No alcohol tatste at all , and this is a 10% abv beer , very well done !
The sweetness dictates that this beer be sipped slowly and savored. For me this is a very good dessert beer !
★ 556 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
750mL 2013 bottle poured into my lost abbey stemware glass
Golden straw color with a 2 finger white head that stays there for ever
Aroma is spicy, sweet , lots of fruit, flowers, apricots and subtle yeast.
Taste is sweet, caramel, spice, and apricots , banana , Sweet Hints of rum , brown sugar, yeast and raisins.
Nice crisp mouthfeel. Carbonation is really great , No alcohol tatste at all , and this is a 10% abv beer , very well done !
The sweetness dictates that this beer be sipped slowly and savored. For me this is a very good dessert beer !
★ 556 characters
3.6/5 rDev -10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
11.2oz, 2011. Bright cloudy gold pour, solid finger of white head. Doesn't seem to stick all that much.
Aroma, a yeasty spiciness. Some light caramel covered fruits. Lighter clove. Aroma is not all that potent.
Taste, big and spicey. Grainy wheat like malt, caramel, mango for the background. Coriander, allspice. A light pepper and herbal hops to add some bite along with some alcohol warmth.
Solid medium body, carbonation jus barely cuts the stickiness down enough. Still a nice sipper, even with the estery notes in the taste the abv is pretty well in check.
Somewhere between a strong pale and a triple in reality. Definetely a solid fruit forward Belgian. I Would prefer a little more pale, but it is worth trying.
★ 723 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
11.2oz, 2011. Bright cloudy gold pour, solid finger of white head. Doesn't seem to stick all that much.
Aroma, a yeasty spiciness. Some light caramel covered fruits. Lighter clove. Aroma is not all that potent.
Taste, big and spicey. Grainy wheat like malt, caramel, mango for the background. Coriander, allspice. A light pepper and herbal hops to add some bite along with some alcohol warmth.
Solid medium body, carbonation jus barely cuts the stickiness down enough. Still a nice sipper, even with the estery notes in the taste the abv is pretty well in check.
Somewhere between a strong pale and a triple in reality. Definetely a solid fruit forward Belgian. I Would prefer a little more pale, but it is worth trying.
★ 723 characters
4.11/5 rDev +2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
2011 4-pack.
Pours a cloudy brownish orange, like apple cider, with a 1 1/2 finger creamy, thick white head that leaves some sticky lacing.
Spicy, sprightly, tropical aroma. Mango and pineapple. Ginger ale. A hint of bubblegum or licorice.
Sweet and earthy taste with spiced apple and banana. The taste of alcohol is evident. Slightly cloying.
Medium thick in body. Feel is more foamy than creamy. There's a burn of alcohol in the throat.
A quality brew. Well balanced. I think I would have enjoyed it more in the winter, but it's a nice contrast to all the IPAs and Imperial IPAs Iv'e been sampling lately.
★ 613 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
2011 4-pack.
Pours a cloudy brownish orange, like apple cider, with a 1 1/2 finger creamy, thick white head that leaves some sticky lacing.
Spicy, sprightly, tropical aroma. Mango and pineapple. Ginger ale. A hint of bubblegum or licorice.
Sweet and earthy taste with spiced apple and banana. The taste of alcohol is evident. Slightly cloying.
Medium thick in body. Feel is more foamy than creamy. There's a burn of alcohol in the throat.
A quality brew. Well balanced. I think I would have enjoyed it more in the winter, but it's a nice contrast to all the IPAs and Imperial IPAs Iv'e been sampling lately.
★ 613 characters
4/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
2012 vintage - Poured a cloudy orange with two finger head that left lace and stuck around a long time for better or worse. A spicy and yeasty aroma with touches of tropical fruit and a touch of floral hops as well sweet and breadlike malt. Smooth and easy to drink with a light to medium body, there is a liveliness and crispness in this beer thanks to some spice and carbonation and the alcoholo gives it a heated snap on the finish. The fruit flavors and malts are balanced and I'd say you can equally detect some plush tropical fruit like pineapple with citric hoppy orange alongside both sweet and grainy malts. Overall I just found this beer to hit the right notes in terms of balance and taste and I really enjoyed it this dangerous sipper.
★ 747 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
2012 vintage - Poured a cloudy orange with two finger head that left lace and stuck around a long time for better or worse. A spicy and yeasty aroma with touches of tropical fruit and a touch of floral hops as well sweet and breadlike malt. Smooth and easy to drink with a light to medium body, there is a liveliness and crispness in this beer thanks to some spice and carbonation and the alcoholo gives it a heated snap on the finish. The fruit flavors and malts are balanced and I'd say you can equally detect some plush tropical fruit like pineapple with citric hoppy orange alongside both sweet and grainy malts. Overall I just found this beer to hit the right notes in terms of balance and taste and I really enjoyed it this dangerous sipper.
★ 747 characters
4.08/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I rate Het Anker right up there with the best from Belgium and the Keizer Blue is one of my all time favourites.
Dare I say it but the alcohol burn masks this one and really hurts the beer ever so slightly. A good SPA but there is better to be had for the price.
★ 262 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I rate Het Anker right up there with the best from Belgium and the Keizer Blue is one of my all time favourites.
Dare I say it but the alcohol burn masks this one and really hurts the beer ever so slightly. A good SPA but there is better to be had for the price.
★ 262 characters
4.3/5 rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
2011 Vintage. Poured into a tulip.
A wonderful floral aroma. Good balance. Between the pale malts, spicy hoppiness and floral aromas and faint sweetness. Complex because not one characteristic overwhelms another. A good mix of flavors and aromas.
A – Pours a pale cloudy golden with a 3-finger rocky white head, nice lacing dissipating to a continuous layer.
S - Some yeasty spiciness (but not peppery), some floral hoppiness (but not sweet).
T – Medium bitterness, a nice smooth maltiness, faintly sweet, some even fainter fruit (pear?).
MF – Good carbonation, medium to dry creamy with hints of spice in the finish, medium bodied.
★ 644 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
2011 Vintage. Poured into a tulip.
A wonderful floral aroma. Good balance. Between the pale malts, spicy hoppiness and floral aromas and faint sweetness. Complex because not one characteristic overwhelms another. A good mix of flavors and aromas.
A – Pours a pale cloudy golden with a 3-finger rocky white head, nice lacing dissipating to a continuous layer.
S - Some yeasty spiciness (but not peppery), some floral hoppiness (but not sweet).
T – Medium bitterness, a nice smooth maltiness, faintly sweet, some even fainter fruit (pear?).
MF – Good carbonation, medium to dry creamy with hints of spice in the finish, medium bodied.
★ 644 characters
4.24/5 rDev +5.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
2009 Bottle
A-a cloudy golden orange with two fingers worth of rocky white foamy head that sticks to the glass as it subsides
S-pale malts, sweet fruits, yeast, and some herbs or spices that I can't place
T-Pale malts, yeast, very sweet fruits, and some alcohol warming that continues to grow the more I drink. Sweetness kicks in even more at the end and is mixed with the herbs/spices from the smell
M-medium body, high carbonation
Very complex, but overall it is not my favorite from Het Anker. Drinks a little too hot and sweet. The more sips though, the more the flavors seem to blend more nicely.
**edit: 2012 Bottle
I gave the 2009 bottle's taste a 3.5 but think I am going to have to up it. Even though the bottle is younger I am not getting the hot sensation that I had from the 2009 bottle. Going to go up to 4.25 on this one.
★ 840 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
2009 Bottle
A-a cloudy golden orange with two fingers worth of rocky white foamy head that sticks to the glass as it subsides
S-pale malts, sweet fruits, yeast, and some herbs or spices that I can't place
T-Pale malts, yeast, very sweet fruits, and some alcohol warming that continues to grow the more I drink. Sweetness kicks in even more at the end and is mixed with the herbs/spices from the smell
M-medium body, high carbonation
Very complex, but overall it is not my favorite from Het Anker. Drinks a little too hot and sweet. The more sips though, the more the flavors seem to blend more nicely.
**edit: 2012 Bottle
I gave the 2009 bottle's taste a 3.5 but think I am going to have to up it. Even though the bottle is younger I am not getting the hot sensation that I had from the 2009 bottle. Going to go up to 4.25 on this one.
★ 840 characters
3.52/5 rDev -12.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Aroma is floral, spicy w/ a mild lemony zing. Just a subtle hint of musty yeast.
Taste is clean pale malt, yeast, and hops. A delicate balance of basic flavors. Water is a key ingredient too. Very slight candi sugar sweetness, increasing as it warms.
Mouthfeel is smooth, semi-dry.
Serving type: bottle
★ 305 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Aroma is floral, spicy w/ a mild lemony zing. Just a subtle hint of musty yeast.
Taste is clean pale malt, yeast, and hops. A delicate balance of basic flavors. Water is a key ingredient too. Very slight candi sugar sweetness, increasing as it warms.
Mouthfeel is smooth, semi-dry.
Serving type: bottle
★ 305 characters
4.22/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
750 ml bottle into tulip glass, bottled on 10/9/2009. Pours slightly cloudy golden amber color with a nice 2 finger fluffy white head with great retention, that reduces to a thin cap that lingers. Spotty foamy lacing clings on the glass, with plenty of streaming carbonation retaining the head. Aromas of big apricot, pear, golden raisin, apple, banana, bubblegum, honey, candi sugar, herbal, light pepper, clove, floral, and herbal earthiness. Fantastic aromas with great balance and complexity of malt and fruity/spicy esters; with zero alcohol presence. Taste of apricot, golden raisin, pear, apple, banana, honey, candi sugar, clove, herbal, light pepper, and herbal earthiness. Lingering notes of light fruits, honey, candi sugar, clove, herbal, light pepper, and earthiness on the finish for a good bit. Very nice balance and complexity of fruity and spicy notes; with a great malt balance and zero cloying sweetness present after the finish. Medium-high carbonation and medium-full bodied; with and slick and fairly prickly mouthfeel that is nice. Alcohol is extremely well hidden with only a slight warming noticed after the finish. Overall this is a highly excellent Belgian strong pale ale! Great complexity and balance of malt and fruity/spicy esters; and very smooth to sip on for 10%. A highly enjoyable offering.
★ 1,326 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
750 ml bottle into tulip glass, bottled on 10/9/2009. Pours slightly cloudy golden amber color with a nice 2 finger fluffy white head with great retention, that reduces to a thin cap that lingers. Spotty foamy lacing clings on the glass, with plenty of streaming carbonation retaining the head. Aromas of big apricot, pear, golden raisin, apple, banana, bubblegum, honey, candi sugar, herbal, light pepper, clove, floral, and herbal earthiness. Fantastic aromas with great balance and complexity of malt and fruity/spicy esters; with zero alcohol presence. Taste of apricot, golden raisin, pear, apple, banana, honey, candi sugar, clove, herbal, light pepper, and herbal earthiness. Lingering notes of light fruits, honey, candi sugar, clove, herbal, light pepper, and earthiness on the finish for a good bit. Very nice balance and complexity of fruity and spicy notes; with a great malt balance and zero cloying sweetness present after the finish. Medium-high carbonation and medium-full bodied; with and slick and fairly prickly mouthfeel that is nice. Alcohol is extremely well hidden with only a slight warming noticed after the finish. Overall this is a highly excellent Belgian strong pale ale! Great complexity and balance of malt and fruity/spicy esters; and very smooth to sip on for 10%. A highly enjoyable offering.
★ 1,326 characters
Cuvée Van De Keizer Rood (Red) from Brouwerij Het Anker
4.03
out of 5
based on 333 ratings.
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Bottled January 14, 2015 and poured into an oversized wine glass. I chilled this one longer than recommended so it becomes a most lovely beer after slowly sipping and waiting. I expected goodness from this brewery and got it with this BSPA.
★ 241 characters