Anchor Our Special Ale (2005 and later)

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

Serve in Lager glass, Tumbler

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Perfect. I have had every year since I can remember. Usually in bottle and on tap. Also -- at Stuffed Sandwiches in CA you can usually try different years (aged) side by side. Wish I had it everyday.

October 2006 bottling date; from my recall; all consumed 12-06: Can there be anything better? This is the most incredible/accessible spiced libation each and every year since 1997 (in my humble experience). Just a stunning example of the brilliance of Anchor. Methinks the Belgiums be losin’ their luster... jus’ like the Yankees...

Ruby color, solid dark head that actually sparkles. Starts with a sweetness that carries the flavor of ginger and orange peel Feels like a piece of candy in the mouth. Ends with a perfect transition to fresh hoppiness. Whoever said beer should be made from only 4 ingredients never tasted this beer.

Like a Christmas present from a loved one, this bottle appears near Christmas wrapped in brown glass and decorative label. What’s inside? Will it be light or dark? Rich or dry? Spiced... but what? And then you pop the bow-cap off the top and pour it into a glass. Dark brown and spicy, the 2010 bottle reveals is it’s own Christmas miracle. Angels sing their ’Gloria’ announcing the birth of Jesus the Christ, come to redeem the world from sin, while the brewers at Anchor take their part in the redemption of Christmas Ales.

2010 version..aroma reminiscent of pumpkin pie with plenty of gingerbread, nutmeg and cinnamon..yumm..very dark brown appearance with slight tan head lacing each sip..delicious flavor mixing pumpkin,gingernread cinnamon nutmeg perhaps caramel..slightly tingly carbonation perfect medium body very drinkable even sessionable at only 5.5 abv..this is my favorite holiday beer and after two years where i really wasnt so jazzed about it this years is excellent really i cant name a more complex or full flavored brew at this abv

I really look forward to this release, and 2005 is no exception. Pours dark, nearly opaque with a beige head that diffuses quickly. Full body and spicy. One of my favorite beers.

A Christmas/Winter classic. The season just would not be the same without this beer. I’ve been drinking this beer every Christmas/Winter since 1991, and the 2005 version, is another excellent vintage. Spiced beers in general, have its share of critics, some believe spice has no place in beer. I disagree. Anchor OSA remains the one of the best spiced beers on the market today. OSA 05 pours to a beautiful, deep brown color, with a thick, creamy, tan head, and a good bit of carbonation. The nose on this beer is wonderful, with lots of spicy aromas of orange peel, citron, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The palate is firm with lots of good dark, chocolate, sweet, and mild roasted malt flavor, paried with some candied citron, and orange flavor that glides on the tongue. OSA 05 finishes with more of those complex malty and spicy flavors up front, then ends with some citrus hop bitterness, and some spicy cinnamon and nutmeg spice that linger. A perfect Christmas beer, and an outstanding winter warmer. Sip and savor this one.

A beautiful rich looking, clear brown that shimmers burgundy red when held up to the Christmas tree lights:) Has a lasting lively and thick tan head that laces the glass. Aroma is unique, it is very sprucy(how appropriate!) with a hint of roasted malt(smoky chocolate). Flavor is of toasty malt and spruce and finishes long and dry with hints of smoky roasted malt. It feels foamy/creamy but not overly so. This is the best brew they’ve made for Christmas/New Year in recent years.

This beer brought back fond holiday memories with its nutmeg and vanilla rich nose/taste. Its has a regal appearance in a glass -- not the darkest beer, but the dark, thick head is certainly intriguing. Much lace is left on the inside of the glass. I recommend letting it warm up some from fridge temperature as the alcohol gives a warm, cheery compliment to the flavor as you reach the end of the beer and it has warmed up some.

This blew me away. The aroma is nothing short of miraculous. I had to look twice to make sure this was a beer. My wife said it is heavy on the plum, but that may be teaberry as others have notted. The balance of holiday spices, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and the malt sweet overtones are nearly perfect. WOW!!!!!!!!