Grolsch Kanon
Grolsch Kanon, labeled Krachtig Kanon, is Grolsch's strong blonde specialty beer. With 11.6% alcohol, it is more than twice as strong as a regular pilsner. It has a full, fruitily sweet flavor, with ripe figs, juniper and caramel. A beer to drink slowly.
Grolsch's strong blonde beer
Grolsch is a Dutch brewery that began in Groenlo, in the Achterhoek region, and now brews in Enschede. In addition to its well-known pilsner, Grolsch makes specialty beers. Kanon is a strong example: a blonde beer with 11.6% alcohol, in a 30 cl bottle.
The flavor is full and fruitily sweet. Grolsch mentions ripe figs, juniper and caramel. According to the ingredients list, besides water, barley malt and hops, it also contains glucose syrup. That sugar ferments into additional alcohol. Because of its sweetness and full flavor, the 11.6% alcohol is less noticeable than you might expect. Drink it slowly, therefore, in a smaller glass, and have water alongside it.
In brief
One powerful bottle
At Gall & Gall, you can buy Grolsch Kanon as a single 30 cl bottle. Like strong blonde beer? Also check out tripel and specialty beer.
Grolsch Kanon
Powerful and rich in flavor, with fruity sweetness and notes of ripe figs, juniper and caramel.
A tripel is also blonde, strong and smooth, but usually lighter than Kanon: read all about it on our tripel page.
From blonde and dubbel to bock and IPA: all specialty beer styles in one overview.
Fig, caramel and warmth
Fig and caramel
Ripe, sweet fruit such as figs, with caramel and a spicy note of juniper.
Full-bodied and sweet
Full-bodied and syrupy for a blonde beer. Sweetness takes center stage, while bitterness stays in the background.
Warm
The finish is long and warming, with the alcohol clearly present. Small sips work best.
Flavor profile of Grolsch Kanon: lots of sweetness and strength, little bitterness.
How to drink Grolsch Kanon
At 11.6% ABV, drink it like a digestif: cool, in a glass that is not too large, and with attention.
Cool, not ice-cold
Pour Kanon at 8 to 10 degrees. When ice-cold, the fig and caramel remain hidden; too warm, and the alcohol comes to the fore.
More about strong blonde beer →Share the bottle
A 30 cl bottle is enough for two smaller glasses. This keeps the beer cool in the glass and encourages you to drink it more slowly.
Water on the side
Place a glass of water next to the beer. This is pleasant with a strong beer and keeps your palate fresh between sips.
Beer tasting at home →Grolsch Kanon at the table
A sweet, strong beer calls for food with plenty of flavor. A few combinations that work.
Aged cheese
With aged Gouda or a spicy farmhouse cheese. The sweetness of the beer and the saltiness of the cheese complement each other.
Blue cheese
With Roquefort or another blue cheese, just as with a sweet wine.
Stew
With beef stew or hachee. The caramel pairs well with a dark, sweet sauce.
After dinner
With apple pie, crème brûlée or a slice of nut tart. Or on its own, as a final course.
The right glass for Grolsch Kanon
A tulip or goblet glass keeps the aromas of fig and caramel in the glass, while the stem keeps your hand away from the beer. A 38 to 40 cl glass is enough for the entire bottle. If you share the bottle, a smaller tasting glass is useful. These are the glasses we recommend ourselves.
Everything you still wanted to know about Grolsch Kanon
Can't find your question here? Read more about specialty beer or contact us.
Everything about specialty beer →How much alcohol does Grolsch Kanon contain?
What does Grolsch Kanon taste like?
Where is Grolsch Kanon brewed?
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What do you eat with Grolsch Kanon?
Buy Grolsch Kanon
Want the bottle at home right away? Order Grolsch Kanon online from Gall & Gall.
Prices as of October 9, 2026, as provided by Gall & Gall. You can find the current price and stock at Gall & Gall. Glazen.nl receives a small commission if you buy something through these links; you pay nothing extra. No 18, no alcohol.