Gouden Carolus Imperial Beer Day

The Het Anker Brewery, based in Mechelen, has been a family-owned Belgian brewery for five generations. In 1872, the Van Breedam family bought the brewery and built a steam boiler to brew special beers. In 1990, they turned part of the brewery into a three-star hotel. The family also own a separate distillery, which is where Gouden Carolus Whisky is made. Tours are available in each and are well worth a visit.

So, what is Gouden Carolus Imperial Beer Day? On 24th February 1500, the Holy Roman Emperor – Charles V was born in Ghent. After his abdication, he regularly had beer delivered to him from the Het Anker Brewery. Gouden Carolus was the beer the Emperor drank and is named after the golden coins that he used to pay for the beer. To mark the Emperor’s birthday, the Het Anker Brewery brew a special beer every year called Gouden Carolus Cuvee van de Keizer. Both the brewery and beer drinkers celebrate this special event every year, known as Gouden Carolus Imperial Beer Day.