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Anchor Our Special Ale (2005 and later)

Percentile
91
overall

bottled
common

on tap
common

Broad Distribution
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RatingsAverageScoreSeasonalABVStyle PctlServe in
10363.56/5.03.56/5.0Winter5.5%94.9Lager glass, Tumbler
Commercial Description:
This is our special ale from the brewers at Anchor. It is sold only from early November to mid-January. The Ale’s recipe is different every year, 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. <br /><br /> Editor’s Note: due to the significant similarity in style and strength from year to year (despite potential differences in the exact spice blend), this beer is no longer separated by vintage.
 Most Recent Top Raters Highest Ratings Who's Rated This?  
 IlanMan (817), Appleton, Wisconsin, USA
3.4 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/103/57/104/513/20
May 23, 2008  
Pour is very dark amber with a full light tan head. Aroma is of cinnamon, licorice, and malt. Flavor is spicey with nutmeg, light chocolate, malt, and more licorice in the finish. Slight burnt flavor takes over after all of the other flavors. Good and complex brew. May buy again.


 joekinty (263), rockledge, Florida, USA
3.4 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/104/56/103/514/20
May 21, 2008  
2007 edition served at 52 degrees very dark with a big head that quickly fades. very malty aroma and flavor. not as thick as it looks flavors are somewhat subdued lacing is good. taste better as it warms


 mattmc1973 (302), Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA
3.6 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/104/56/103/515/20
May 18, 2008  
Poured reddish/dark brown with tan head, left some nice lacing. Aroma is great, very malty, with hints of brown sugar and spice. Smells better than it tastes. Not bad tasting, but promised more from the aroma. Taste is roasted malt, somewhat porter/stout-like. Mouthfeel is somewhat watery. Pretty good, but aroma made a promise that the flavor didn’t follow through with!


 msante79 (814), Orland Hills, Illinois, USA
3.5 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/104/57/103/514/20
May 18, 2008  
Bottle. Pours deep red with with small off-white head. Aroma is malt, brown suger and caramel. Flavor is mostly roasted malts with notes of caramel, brown suger, and coffee. Creamy mouthfeel and a nicely balanced.


 Naka (525), Indiana, Pennsylvania, USA
3.9 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/104/58/103/517/20
May 16, 2008  
Pours a slightly opaque dark brown color with a foamy head that had some lasting power. The nose has some honey, fruit, and spice, mainly ginger. There was also a roasty characteristic as well. The flavor is pretty complex. The apple fruity sweetness and roasted coffee and malts work well in combination. There is a touch of hops, but really just for some balance. Not an outstanding body, but all the other aspects of it are pretty good.


 amishcaravan (237), Winona, Minnesota, USA
3.2 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
6/104/56/104/512/20
May 9, 2008  
pours a dark brown color with a long lasting fluffy head. scent is of roast and fermented fruit. Taste is of coffee beans and roasted malts. There is also a hint of fruits in the aftertaste. Overall, this beer is kind of bland and I would probably not purchase this again.


 Rciesla (3580), Exit 15W, New Jersey, USA
2.9 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
4/105/55/103/512/20
May 8, 2008  
Bottle. I missed the boat on this one. Pours an amber brown. Flavor is spice, mild hops, sugar, roasty coffee and caramel. Something about this just turned me off.


Bananamaniac (35), Kristinehamn, Sweden
4.1 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/105/57/105/517/20
May 2, 2008  
Can 33 cl. Nice Christmas/Holidays beer here! Very spicy and "stoutie" smell on this one. The smell reminds me a bit of "Närke Kaggen Stormaktsporter" actually. Taste of herbs/spices and roasted malts, very good!



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