Gouden Carolus Hopsinjoor
I’m a huge fan of just about ever beer to come out of Brouwerij Het Anker. Their Gouden Carolus Tripel is one of my favorite beers, as is their Gouden Carolus d’Or. If I see something from them that I haven’t had in the past, you can guarantee that I’ll buy it on the spot.
Traveling back from Richmond, VA a couple of weekends ago, the family and I stopped in Ashland at The Caboose for a little shopping. I’ve visited this little shop several times in the past and have never been disappointed with their selection or service. On this trip I happened across the Hopsinjoor and immediately began foaming at the mouth.
Appearance
The Hopsinjoor pours a hazy golden yellow with decent activity. The head was massive on each pour, leaving a sticky lacing on the glass.
Aroma
Smells like the brewery’s tripel, but with a pronounced hop presence. There’s also some light citrus notes in the background.
Taste
This one tastes similar to their tripel as well, but with a pleasant hop bitterness. It’s a crisp beer that’s quite refreshing with a slight bitterness in the finish. The citrus from the nose is there, but is subtle.
Overall
I guess I was expecting something along the lines of the Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel, which it is in a way, but with a more refined, less hoppy palette. The Gouden Carolus version is a bit cleaner in the finish with a more subtle complexity, if that makes any sense. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be on the look out for more of it in my travels.
Rating: 4/5