This "Grand Imperial Beer" is still brewed in the brewery of Mechelen called Het Anker. Dark, very balanced dosed caramel and aromatic malts provide, in combination with a traditional high fermentation, a unique beer that unites the warmth of wine and the freshness of beer. This makes it very suitable in combination with culinary specialties such as stews, wild, pates and even sabayon. Following earlier prestigious awards, this beer was selected “Worlds’ Best Dark Ale” (WBA, 2012).
Het Anker Brewery is a Flemish brewery in Mechelen, originally founded in 1471 by a community of Beguines. In 1872, the brewery was acquired by Louis Van Breedam, who renamed it Het Anker ("The Anchor") in 1904. Expanding its assortment from lager to ale, it began producing "Emperor beer" after World War II. In 1960 it renamed it "Gouden Carolus," for Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor (who was raised in Mechelen).