Brouwerij Het Anker
Mechelen, Belgium
Imported by: Wetten Imports
Sterling, VA
“Hopsinjoor” is a wordplay referring both to the several hops used in the beer, and to the folk character “Opsinjoor” whose story is traditional in the Belgian city of Mechelen.
ABV: 8
ABW: 6.37
Color: blond
Bitterness: n/a
Original gravity: 1074
Het Anker is an acclaimed traditional brewery in Mechelen, Belgium, famous for its Gouden Carolus, named after an ancient coin. This pale gold addition to the range has a massive hop character due to the use of four varieties — Goldings, Spalt, Hallertau and Saaz. It has a characteristic Belgian “nose,” with ripe citrus fruit and a big blast of peppery hop resins. The deep hop bitterness in the mouth is tangy and spicy but is balanced by tart fruit and juicy malt. The finish is shatteringly dry and hoppy, with malt and fruit playing a background role.
This effusively foamy golden beer erects a towering rocky white head. It has an equally effusive floral noble hop aroma backed by a range of pleasant spicy notes. On the palate, the beer is bone dry, wielding a tight whack of hop bitterness up front, a quick burst of fruit in the center and a long, dry hoppy finish. It’s a good beer, but could use greater finesse; the bitterness is a little coarse. Serve it a little warmer, though, and that smoothes out. If you’ve got some spicy fish tacos handy, here’s your beer.
Roger Protz is the author of Complete Guide to World Beer and 300 Beers to Try Before You Die. He is a respected beer authority and editor of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.
Internationally recognized brewer and expert on traditional beer, Garrett Oliver is the brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery and the author of The Brewmaster's Table.
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