Anchor Our Special Ale (2005 and later)

Need to update this one. Sold as Anchor Christmas Ale here in Sweden, I was surprised when a friend found 4-5 bottles back in April. This beer has an absolutely wonderful aroma; a quite strong one for only 5,5% ABV. Wonderful malt, spices, pine needle... almost imperial stoutish smell. Flavour is really good, even though it maybe smells better than it tastes. Wonderful taste of Christmas-spices, particulary ginger, and some pine needle. Need too buy this again next Christmas...

Bottle. Dark vanilla, malt, sweet red wine, christmas spices. Large brown creamy sparkling head, long lasting; nearly black body. Moderate sweet, then it gets a little bit bitterer with some hints of coffee; average duration. Medium body, creamy texture with a soft carbonation. Really something special!

pours dark with a nice brown head. Very spicy and piney flavor with a dry finish.

Bottle, 355 ml - A very dark brown beer with a big strong head. Aroma is spicey and malty with hints of fir needles. Flavor is roasty with hints of spices and some hops. Enjoyed it much more now than I did a few months ago...

Appearance: Very dark brown. Little bit of head. Aroma: Spices, cinnamon. Malt. Even chocolate and fruit (dark). Taste: Spices. Malt and chocolate. Strong. Bitter aftertaste. Info: 355ml bottle, 31/1-2007, 140/500

Bottle, Corks of Cotham, Bristol. Poured a dark brown with a reddish hue and a creamish biege head. Aroma is jam packed with christmasy spices, cinnamon, brandy sodden raisins, herbs, ginger, orange peel, the list goes on. Really wonderful. Silky smooth mouthfeel. Many of the characteristics of the aroma were evident in the flavour and this is undoubtedly a very complex and well crafted brew. I loved it and would happily drink this at any time of the year ! A worthy bottle to bring up my double century !

Spicy caramelly aromas, cinnamon, nutmeg. Pours reddish, dark brown with a huge tan head that lasts! Smooth, sweet malts, hints of molasses, with spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, traces of cardamom. Very creamy mouthfeel. Very nice.

12oz bottle, 2005 vintage, courtesy of a trade from a while ago (?). Thanks! Pours a murky brown color; thin, medium tan head with fine-bubbled lacing. Plenty of spice (cinnamon, allspice), chocolate, and floral notes in the aroma; roasted malts, leather, and a touch of alcohol coming through; soft, chewy spicing overall. Medium-to-full mouthfeel: creamy carbonation; chocolate, nougat, and leather upfront; well integrated into a soft spice profile; minimal alcohol; a touch of breadiness and roasted malts. Pretty drinkable, tasty stuff. Lengthy finish: leather, dark chocolate, slight mineral bitterness, and lingering soft spice.