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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
10463.56/5.03.56/5.0Winter5.5%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?  
 pineypower (1093), Pine Barrens, New Jersey, USA
3.5 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/103/57/103/515/20
Dec 4, 2007  
2007 Bottle. Pours out mostly transparent brown with a slight off white head. Aroma of spice, mostly nutmeg and some cinnamon. Taste is slight caramel, with some nutmeg, cinnamon, and some other light earthy/spice notes. Pickup a bottle or two every year, and always good.


 Dorwart (1812), Robbinsville, New Jersey, USA
3.3 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/103/57/103/513/20
Dec 4, 2007  
( 2007 Vintage) Thin light brown head which dissipates quickly. Minimal carbonation. Spicy aroma with lots of nutmeg, ginger and spruce. Also a bit of rootbeer in the background. Color is a very dark brown. Dry and thin palate. Gingerbread, nutmeg, and a bit of dry chalkyness. Lingering roasted grains and bitterness. A decent seasonal brew. Thanks to etowneraser for this one.


 KieferUGA (461), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
3.3 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
6/103/58/103/513/20
Dec 3, 2007  
12 oz. bottle. 2007 vintage. Pours a deep, clear mahogany with a small light, cream color head. Aroma of pine tree and cinnamon. Mouthfeel is a combination of spices, maple syrup, and licorice. Hint of a bitter ending, but not too overpowering.


 mmmbeer (746), Austin, Texas, USA
2.3 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
3/104/54/103/59/20
Dec 3, 2007  
2007 edition- 12 oz bottle poured into tumbler. Poured non-transparent light black, tan head slowly fizzed away, moderate carbonation. Aroma of pine needles, molasses, and resine. Hits the mouth with a thin body, cinnamon and nutmeg and noticeable, finish stops quickly. Was expecting greatness from this brewery, not impressed.


 freekyp (900), Thomasville, North Carolina, USA
3 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
6/103/53/104/514/20
Dec 3, 2007  
Utterly unique and a fascinating quaff. A very pretty beer to behold pouring a dark mahogony and capped with a resilient rocky tan head. The nose is sweet and roasty, not unlike a porter, but there is also a dollop of molasses and perhaps maple thrown in. The flavor is much the same with molasses and licorice playing a strong part in the finish. Blindfolded I would have pegged this as some sort of gruit ale. I love an adventuresome brew and Anchor certainly had some fun here. Inspiring!


 37steel (186), St. Charles, Illinois, USA
3.3 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/105/56/102/513/20
Dec 3, 2007  
2007 edition. 12 oz bottle. Dark brown with a thick tan head. Aroma is caramel malt with some spices. Flavor has cinnamon, nutmeg (?) and maple. A little thin on the finish.


 RSRIZZO (1364), Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
3.2 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/103/56/103/512/20
Dec 2, 2007  
Had this beer on 12/12/2006. Aroma is a sweet roasted malt scent. Color is a deep near black amber with light carbonation and a thin tight head. Taste is rich and smooth. Starting with a full body it goes down smooth fizzy feel that comes off a bit creamy. Finish come in with rich feel but a mild sweet malt flavor that rides out to an alcohol taste in the end. Overall its good, not the best Winter brew but still good.


 valpoaj (362), Valparaiso, Indiana, USA
2.7 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
6/103/55/102/511/20
Dec 2, 2007  
Tasting at Holiday Beerfest in Omaha: Brownish-red color with thick head. Very spicy aroma with hints of cinnamon. Warming flavor, with spices dominant (nutmeg and cinnamon most pronounced). Watery finish with some warmth in the aftertaste. Wasn’t enough ’other’ to stand up to the spice in this one for my tastes.



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