{"title":"Het Anker","description":"\u003cp\u003eHet Anker is a family brewery in the Groot Begijnhof (Great Beguinage) of Mechelen and has been brewing there since 1471, which makes it one of the oldest breweries in Belgium. It is known for Gouden Carolus, a range of strong Belgian beers, and for its own whisky distillery, part of which ends up in the beers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!--verhaal--\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA brewery in the Groot Begijnhof of Mechelen\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHet Anker began in 1471 in the Groot Begijnhof of Mechelen. Charles the Bold exempted the beguines from tax on the beer they brewed for their hospital, in exchange for caring for the sick. The brewery was one of the few European breweries with religious ties that survived the Napoleonic secularisation. In 1872 Louis Van Breedam bought it, and in 1904 it was given the name Het Anker. Since then it has stayed in the family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the 1990s Charles Leclef, the fifth generation of the family, renovated the buildings and modernised the cooling, fermentation and lagering. Of the twelve breweries Mechelen once had, only Het Anker is left. The three copper kettles in the brewhouse date from after the Second World War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGouden Carolus and the in-house whisky\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the war, Het Anker brewed a lot of pils. In 1963 the brewery returned to traditional Belgian styles, with a forerunner of today's Gouden Carolus. That range of strong beers is named after Emperor Charles V. In 2012 the Gouden Carolus Classic won gold at the World Beer Awards, for the third time. The jury noted molasses, toffee and pear drops, with power, a smooth structure and a long, warm finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne tasting note describes the Tripel (9%) with pear, chamomile, coriander and a touch of cumin, and the Ambrio (8%) as an amber that leans towards a dubbel. Het Anker also distils its own whisky. Part of it goes back into Gouden Carolus beers, such as the Cuvée van de Keizer with whisky, which reaches 11.7%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHet Anker at Hoptimaal\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Hoptimaal you will find Het Anker in tripel, dubbel, blond and witbier, mostly in 33 cl bottles and also in a 75 cl bottle. The strength ranges from 5.4 to 11.7%. On Untappd, the Gouden Carolus Whisky Infused, the Whisky Infused Blond, the Tripel and the Classic are rated highly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrink the blond and the tripel well chilled from a tulip glass, so the spicy and fruity character stays fresh. The dubbel and the whisky-infused beers are heavier. Give them some time, let them warm up a little and take small sips. That way the caramel, dried fruit and the touch of whisky come across better.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!--faq--\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere does Het Anker come from?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHet Anker comes from Mechelen in Flanders, Belgium. The brewery is in the Groot Begijnhof and began there in 1471.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat kind of beer does Het Anker make?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHet Anker brews the Gouden Carolus range: strong Belgian beers such as tripel, ambrio, classic and versions with whisky. At Hoptimaal you will find tripel, dubbel, blond and witbier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan you visit the Het Anker brewery?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, there are tours with two tastings, also in English. The route has about 100 steps and is not wheelchair accessible. It is wise to book.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"het-anker-gouden-carolus-tripel","title":"Het Anker Gouden Carolus Tripel","description":"Gouden Carolus Tripel was originally brewed for the Knights of the Golden Fleece in 1491. This golden specialty beer is brewed with the best Belgian ripe barley and hops, to preserve as much pure aroma as possible. Ideal with chicken, spicy dishes or fine, soft cheeses.\u003cbr\u003eVoted best Triple in the world (World Beer Awards 2012).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eGouden Carolus Tripel was originally brewed for the Knights of the Golden Fleece in 1491. This golden specialty beer is brewed with the best Belgian ripe barley and hops, to preserve as much pure aroma as possible. Ideal with chicken, spicy dishes or fine, soft cheeses.\u003cbr\u003eVoted best Triple in the world (World Beer Awards 2012).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Het Anker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48444554772825,"sku":"","price":2.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/1-924.png?v=1767619925"},{"product_id":"het-anker-gouden-carolus-whisky-infused","title":"Het Anker Gouden Carolus Whisky Infused","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe beloved Gouden Carolus Whisky Infused is finally available in a small bottle too. The Cuvée van de Keizer Blauw, with flavours of Gouden Carolus Single Malt whisky. This beautiful combination has matured in casks from Het Anker brewery.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe beloved Gouden Carolus Whisky Infused is finally available in a small bottle too. The Cuvée van de Keizer Blauw, with flavours of Gouden Carolus Single Malt whisky. This beautiful combination has matured in casks from Het Anker brewery.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Het Anker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48444558049625,"sku":"","price":2.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/gouden-carolus-whisky-infused.png?v=1717096081"},{"product_id":"maneblusser","title":"Maneblusser","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eManeblusser is Het Anker's city beer for Mechelen, named after the nickname of its inhabitants. A 5.8% blonde brewed to be easy to drink.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn the nose and palate, expect a subtle citrus note followed by a fine finish. At 20 IBU, the bitterness stays low. It is top-fermented and refermented in the bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eHet Anker brewed this beer for the people of Mechelen. The name recalls the night of 27 January 1687, when the moon glowing through fog was mistaken for a fire on Saint Rumbold's Tower.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Het Anker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48444634333529,"sku":"","price":2.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/1-978.png?v=1767627046"},{"product_id":"het-anker-gouden-carolus-classic","title":"Het Anker Gouden Carolus Classic","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eGouden Carolus Classic from Mechelen is billed by Het Anker as a 'Grand Imperial Beer', and it was voted World's Best Dark Beer at the 2012 World Beer Awards.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn the palate, expect a dark beer led by caramel and aromatic malts, carefully dosed. At 8.5% ABV there is a wine-like warmth, yet the freshness of a proper beer stays intact. With 25 IBU, the bitterness remains modest and lets the malt take centre stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eHet Anker is the Mechelen brewery behind the Gouden Carolus range. The Classic is the dark calling card of the house.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Het Anker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48444644196697,"sku":"","price":2.25,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/gouden-carolus-classic.png?v=1717096626"},{"product_id":"het-anker-maneblusser-wit","title":"Het Anker Maneblusser Wit","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eManeblusser Wit from Het Anker is a fresh, fruity witbier spiced with coriander and citrus fruits. Its hazy, pale blond colour is meant to recall summer fields of grain.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eExpect a fresh wheat beer where coriander and citrus lead, with a fruity character throughout. At 5.4% ABV and just 13 IBU, the bitterness stays low, so it drinks easily and quenches thirst.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eHet Anker is a Belgian brewery, and Maneblusser Wit is its approachable thirst-quencher made to appeal to a wide range of drinkers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Brouwerij Het Anker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54625422147929,"sku":null,"price":2.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/1-52-Photoroom_70a80189-ce19-4d5a-a235-0214c2e273f4.png?v=1747943045"},{"product_id":"het-anker-gouden-carolus-whisky-infused-blond-1","title":"Het Anker Gouden Carolus Whisky Infused Blond","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHet Anker Gouden Carolus Whisky Infused Blond\u003c\/strong\u003e is a bold Belgian blond brewed in Mechelen. It fuses the light, approachable profile of a classic blond with a deliberate whisky infusion that reveals oak, caramel, and vanilla notes. The result is a structured, warming beer with a longer, more complex finish. At 10.7% ABV, it stands apart from standard blond ales, delivering a mature, contemplative tasting experience. Untappd score 3.89 reflects its layered balance of malt sweetness and whisky spice, appealing to connoisseurs seeking depth and nuanced flavor in a beer that remains surprisingly accessible.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Het Anker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57173799207257,"sku":null,"price":2.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/1-1187.png?v=1769689622"},{"product_id":"brouwerij-het-anker-gouden-carolus-indulgence-2026-symposium","title":"Het Anker Gouden Carolus Indulgence 2026 - Symposium","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eA Belgian tripel at 8.1% ABV from the Gouden Carolus range by Het Anker: the Symposium edition of Indulgence 2026.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 8.1% ABV, expect a sturdy tripel that is better sipped slowly than hurried. No official description of aroma or flavour is available, so pour a glass and look for fruit, spice, malt and hop character yourself.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eHet Anker brews the Gouden Carolus beers and also makes whisky and liqueur under the same name. The brewery runs guided tours and tastings as well.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Brouwerij Het Anker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59654101205337,"sku":null,"price":12.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0736_processed.png?v=1790851409"}],"url":"https:\/\/hoptimaal.com\/en\/collections\/het-anker.oembed","provider":"Hoptimaal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}