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.
Brewing something people should know about?
Since 2007, The Full Pint has been where craft beer fans get their news. Breweries and beer brands can reach them too.
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.
