12 Beers of X-Mas: Anchor Christmas Ale

Anchor Christmas AleThe 2008 release is the thirty-fourth of Anchor Brewing‘s annual Christmas ale, Our Special Ale. It pours a deep dark sepia with mahogany notes. The lusciously thick fallow head leaves heavy rings as I drink. The aroma is rich and spicy of licorice, caramel, anise, and coriander.

A strong roast malt flavor is followed by spices: cloves, anise, and cinnamon. A light sweetness balances the roasty bitterness. A slight hint of medicinal flavor (probably the spices) is all that bothers me. Good alcohol warming sensation, not too sharp. The palate is thick, bordering on chewy. There is a bit of a coating sensation gone almost before you notice.

For over three decades this has been pretty much the standard American Christmas beer, and this year it lives up to that role.

+Anchor Our Special Ale

3.8 (4-8-7-4-15)

Tags: , , , , , ,

Leave a Reply