Anchor Our Special Ale 2008 – Anchor Christmas
From Anchor Brewing Co.: Every year since 1975 the brewers at Anchor have brewed a distinctive and unique Christmas Ale, which is available from early November to mid-January. The Ale’s recipe is different every year-as is the tree on the label-but the intent with which we offer it remains the same: joy and celebration of the newness of life. Since ancient times, trees have symbolized the winter solstice when the earth, with its seasons, appears born anew.
Anchor Brewing Co. – Anchor Our Special Ale 2008 (aka Anchor Christmas) – 12 oz bottle poured into my last New Belgium glass. 5.5% abv. – Purchased at Whole Foods Arroyo, Pasadena, CA.
Appearance: A dark, dense eggplant purple with a tight 1/2 inch tan, active head.
Aroma: Fig newtons (not fruit and cake!!), carob, chocolate, juniper, cut holly and ginger bread.
Taste: Evergreen flavored hops. figs, cocoa powder, spicy bitter hops. After all the darker, savory flavors, you get a nice tart berry flavor, perhaps cranberry or not-quite-ripe raspberries.
Mouthfeel: Chewy and coating.
Overall: A heavenly beer. So much is going on, that you could definitely draw a winter/holiday experience from the burst of flavor you experience in each sip. I have yet to be dissapointed with an Anchor Our Special Ale/Anchor Christmas, and I would bet money you would not be either.
