As any repeat reader of my notes posted on this site about Belgian barreled or liquor infused beers will know, I have a pretty low opinion of beers that have been bastardized. Additionally, if you know about me and my taste in beer you’d also know that Gouden Carolus Van Der Kaizer (Bluaw) is one of my favorite beers of all-time. As a result I’ve literally put-off trying this beer for a long time. I didn’t want to be disappointed.

The usual, brown pour with a nice head and better than expected head and retention.

Immediately the nose and tastes give a really strong chocolate note that seems to temper any liquor elements quickly. There also appears to be very little warmth from the extra alcohol, and the whole thing melds together nicely. There’s a LOT of Madeira, brown sugar and sherry notes here. All of these elements are things that I generally enjoy, so I’m happy with that.

This is a beer that I was surprised to really enjoy. I think that it’s mainly because it sits so closely to the original, that the whisky element seems only to complement things rather than ruining the beer. I think this is about where one starts rather than where one ends. Having said all of that, given the choice, 100 out of 100 times I would choose the original, non-bastardized version.