Anchor Our Special Ale (2005 and later)

	Percentile
	91
	overall

Brewed by Anchor Brewing Company
Style: Spice/Herb/Vegetable
San Francisco, California USA

bottled
common

on tap
common

Broad Distribution
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Ratings	Average	Score	Seasonal	ABV	Style Pctl	Serve in
1043	3.56/5.0	3.56/5.0	Winter	5.5%	94.9	Lager 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.

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pdiddy (22), San Marcos, Texas, USA

3.5	Aroma	Appearance	Flavor	Palate	Overall
3.5	7/10	3/5	7/10	4/5	14/20

Dec 10, 2007

2007. Aromatic and floral. Nearly black, this beer is spiced up and great for the holidays. I detect a tiny amount of anise as well as the other flavors commented on.

wickedpete (626), Lexington Park, Maryland, USA

4.3	Aroma	Appearance	Flavor	Palate	Overall
4.3	9/10	4/5	8/10	4/5	18/20

Dec 9, 2007

2007. This is a great holiday brew. Dark brown body with a tall head. Strong aroma similar to egg nog. Flavor is like egg nog as well, with a sizable nutmeg spiciness to it, with some cola flavor and a bitter finish. Creamy overall, this is my favorite holiday special.

boFNjackson (1269), Portland, Oregon, USA

2.9	Aroma	Appearance	Flavor	Palate	Overall
2.9	6/10	4/5	5/10	2/5	12/20

Dec 8, 2007 Updated: Dec 9, 2007

2007 Botlle... Poured almost black with amber highlights and a light brown head. Nutmeg and sweet malt aroma. To me, the spices came off more like licorice and cough medicine. The flavor as well. It was ok, but not my favorite holiday ale. Sort of a chalky malt balance, with some hops in there too. Seems like it is made at a great quality, I’m just not digging these specific flavors all together.

Lowe1983 (1029), Fairborn, Ohio, USA

3.8	Aroma	Appearance	Flavor	Palate	Overall
3.8	7/10	4/5	8/10	3/5	16/20

Dec 8, 2007

2007 Pours a dark copper color with a tan head. Aroma is of nutmeg, cloves, sweet malts, and a little bit of some citrus hops. Flavor is very spicey with nutmeg and cloves being the stronger flavors. Has a pretty good lingering flavor. I really like this beer.

mfaulke (81), clemson, South Carolina, USA

3.7	Aroma	Appearance	Flavor	Palate	Overall
3.7	7/10	4/5	7/10	3/5	16/20

Dec 8, 2007

There was a massive head on this beer upon pouring, but it quickly dissipated. It’s malty, and finishes a little dry. The spices really come through in the finish, but aren’t overpowering. If the mouthfeel was a little thicker I would have liked it even more. Definitely worth a try.

LordCorkscrew (945), Ronco Scrivia (GE), Italy

4.2	Aroma	Appearance	Flavor	Palate	Overall
4.2	10/10	4/5	9/10	4/5	15/20

Dec 8, 2007

Straordinaria birra di Natale in stile dunkel con varie spezie, bottiglia da 33cl al Duca. Aroma speziato dominato dalla noce moscata, che si sente anche nel sapore abbastanza complesso e piccante con finale secco. Straordinaria.

Driftwood6 (214), USA

3.1	Aroma	Appearance	Flavor	Palate	Overall
3.1	5/10	3/5	5/10	3/5	15/20

Dec 7, 2007

On tap at Brixie’s, Brookfield IL. Spices pretty subdued. Most noticable was the dry finish with a touch of bitterness. I think I liked the Great Lakes Christmas Ale a little better.

nramsburg (200), New York, New York, USA

4	Aroma	Appearance	Flavor	Palate	Overall
4	7/10	4/5	7/10	4/5	18/20

Dec 7, 2007

Tasty spicy holiday beer. Pretty consistently good -- I’ve had this from other vintages. Malty aroma, and little smoky, perhaps some coriander and orange taste. Not too heavy or spicy, good bitter finish, and definitely my favorite holiday beer.

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