Merry Christmas & Happy New Year (Our Special Ale) (2004)
(Batch of Our Special Ale)
Anchor Brewing Company in San Francisco, California, United States 🇺🇸
Spiced / Herbed / Vegetable / Honey - Spiced Regular Out of Production|
Score
7.18
|
|
This is the thirtieth special ale from the brewers at Anchor. It is available 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. In ancient times, trees symbolized the winter solstice, when the earth with its seasons appears born anew.
Sign up to add a tick or review
6.1/10
—
Appearance 6
Aroma 6
Flavor 6
Texture 6
Overall 6.5
Procured by marinaro500 for his post-Thanksgiving gathering. My opinion on this is much like it’s been for the past couple of vintages. Deep brown body, thick cream head. Big spicy nose, very toasty with some chocolate. Dark toasted malt flavor, chocolate, and plenty of those spices I’m not too fond of (although the anise character seems toned down this year). Earthy, herbal, and peppery.
Tried
on 29 Nov 2004
at 16:29
7.8/10
—
Appearance 8
Aroma 7
Flavor 8
Texture 8
Overall 8
Draft. Very dark mahogony color with almost no head. Spicey, figgy, fruity, roasty flavors. Smooth tasting with some complexity. Spicey aroma. I remember pine in the year before, but not here. Very drinkable.
Tried
from Draft
on 26 Nov 2004
at 17:22
7.2/10
—
Appearance 8
Aroma 7
Flavor 7
Texture 8
Overall 7
Bottle thanks to bucknaked. Pours a wonderfully deep brown black. Up to the light there are dark ruby tinges. Mocha yellow head. Bubbly. Aroma of spruce (yes, I was told to look for this, but hearing that, it is undeniable), light ginger (oh no.), light brown malts and some honey and a touch of belgian yeast!!! yes!! even though it is moderately filtered, you can taste a touch of yeastiness, like a belgian brown ale. Flavor is highly reminiscent of a belgian bruin, but add in the spruce, big right off the bat and then add in some ginger, cinnamon and a light hops. Thank god, I was about to give up on OSA. Last year was as close to undrinkable as it gets. This year returns to its stoutish roots. medium full and a bit too much carbonation. So refreshingly better than last year. thank god.
Tried
from Bottle
on 20 Nov 2004
at 02:35