Gouden Carolus Cuvee van de Keizer Blauw

I kept a 2006 until 2015 and was quite pleased with the result. Ideal is pretty impossible to answer. With that said, I have a 2014 with a lot of waiting to do.

 

Well it’s your/my lucky night. Decided to crack this open for the super blue blood moon tonight.

2011 Gouden Carolus Cuvee van de Keizer Blauw.

Pours ruddy amber, clear edges that flash amber red and deep cedar; thick and tight head rises and falls uniformly, leaving a solid cap that thins to reveal near microscopic bubbles. Smell is aromatic- fruity floral, juicy plums; upon deeper inhale sweet brandy and raisins come through, yeasty sweet rolls. Taste is complex- a loud Chardonnay-molasses duo start playing jazz, with the same yeasty sweet roll playing big band backup, with a sweet note that carries every tempo created as the flavors mingle. The mouthfeel is thick and sweet, yet so smooth it almost feels dry at the same time; flavors linger just as long as they should making this heavy sweet beer dangerously quaffable. It feels like I’m drinking 2 beers in the same mouthfeel- a bright and vinous old ale and a sweet imperial ESB is the best I can describe, this is really complex.

Overall a surprise as I did not know what to expect. 7 years and this is drinking great, in my experience and preferences this is at its best right now and in 2-4 more years the vinous dry character might get out of balance for me.

 

I’ve had 10+ year old bottles of Blauw that have been fantastic. Drank an ‘04 a few months ago and it was superb.

 

Echoing what others have said... I cannot say enough good things about this beer and how well it ages. Opened a 2010 last year, just incredible, refined and rich. Was very sad when the bottle was through. I'm still sad about it.

 

I just had a 3 year old bottle last weekend that was excellent. I'm going to try to wait on the 2016 I have until 5 years. If you're anxious I don't think you'd go wrong at 3, but if you want push how long you can go, from the other reports it hold up a lot longer.

 

Thanks for the input--glad I bought 6

 

its awesome! I do a tasting with 5-6 guys every New Years Day and the previous two years we did 4 bottles, 2016(2001,2003,2004,2006) 2017(2007, 2009,2010,2011) all were good no drain pours. 2006-2011 better than 01,03-04. could come to a consensus on best with the group but my favorite was 2010.

 

Could be, votes were 06,07,10 & 11. No 1st place votes for the earlier or later? Don't know but they were all good.

 

I drank a 5 year old bottle recently and it was great. This beer ages very well and worth buying a few to stash away for various periods of time.

 

Pretty old news, any Belgian quad will hold very well up to a decade, if not longer, when stored properly.

 

Not true.

 

Care to elaborate?