 ketchepillar (312), Des Moines, Iowa, USA
Dec 31, 2007
2007 Vintage. Pours pretty black very nice head/lacing. Aroma: Spices going every which way; on one hand the give a bouquet of freshly diced melon and pineapple whilst light hop aromas dance above. . On the other hand, the spices mix with light alcohol notes to show off, coriander, chocolate, and nutmeg set on malty background. The noticeable confusion suggested by the aroma is confirmed in the palate. Alcohol is fairly noticeable, as are the characteristics of the latter face of the aroma. Presents itself as a scottish ale at times, and as a pumpkin ale without much pumpkin at other times. Earthy spices linger on the tongue. I’m pretty sure this beer is an attempted clone by Anchor of a homebrew I recently bottled.
daniele (935), Italy
Dec 4, 2008 scura buona schiuma persitenza non ottima il naso è piuttosto intenso speziato tostato in bocca malti tostai non agressivi leggere spezie poco luppolo
LtDan (106), Greater Los Angeles Area, California, USA
Dec 4, 2008 Appearance- A dark, dense eggplant purple with a tight half inch tan, active head.
Aroma: Fig newtons not fruit and cake, carob, chocolate, juniper, cut holly and ginger bread.
Taste-Evergreen flavored hops. figs, cocoa powder, spicy bitter hops. After all the darker, savory flavors, you get a nice tart berry flavor, perhaps cranberry or not-quite-ripe raspberries.
Mouthfeel-Chewy and coating.
Overall-A heavenly beer. So much is going on, that you could definitely draw a winter/holiday experience from the burst of flavor you experience in each sip. I have yet to be dissapointed with an Anchor Our Special Ale/Anchor Christmas, and I would bet money you would not be either.
LilBeerDoctor (733), East Setauket, New York, USA
Dec 3, 2008 2005 bottle. Pours a dark brown with a small tan head. Aroma of spices, dark fruits, slight raisin, and lots of pear. Flavor of pear and apple skins with a slight roast to it.
2008 bottle. Pours a dark brown with a thick tan head. Aroma of strong spices , pumpkin, apple, and lots of pear. Flavor is similar with lots of fruits present, some mint leaf, and lots of sugary sweetness.
These bottles were sampled side-by-side and they were pretty similar. Essentially the 2005 tasted like an aged version of the 2008. Nonetheless, this beer was ok, but nothing special. Mouthfeel was a bit wearing.
keepersj12 (463), Sicklerville, New Jersey, USA
Dec 3, 2008 Very tasty. Nice Christmasy aroma. pretty dark red brown color with a nice head. Flavor is spicy with a dry finish. Not a typical winter beer.
santoslhalper (252), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Dec 3, 2008 07 bottle. Pours a real dark brown with a thin off-white. Smells like a Christmas tree and roasted barley. The taste is overly spicy with little balance. I thought a year would help, I was damn wrong. Not on my wish list.
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