effervescent refractions

Gouden Carolus Classic - Belgian Strong Ale -
As its name supposes the Carolus Classic is indeed a true archetype of the dark Belgian ales. Its mesmerizing lateritious hue is subtly clouded and rises to an oat-colored creamy head, exemplary of the style. An overwhelming fragrance of bananas emerges initially and follows in a suite of dried pears, raisins and figs. The warm, vinous touch offers a definite density to the nose, one supported by the indubitable scent of walnuts, pepper and the candy-like aroma of artificial cherries. Fruits are equally pronounced in the flavor, particularly in the recurrent vehemence of dried bananas, followed by plums and cherries again. The sweet, sticky almost syrupy texture contributes a certain weight to the dark malt background of coffee, roasted chocolate and caramel weaving an immaculate framework for the assertive nutmeg and anise tonalities. Alcohol is certainly present but does not burn, and for a turophile like myself gives the apropos strength to perfectly match a Chabichou or a similarly soft goat cheese. The aftertaste leads to a beautiful evolution starting with coffee and marrons glacés that finishes with the lingering piquant of licorice.