2005 bomber consumed on 3/30/06
Light amber with copper tresses and a huge amount of beige head, fairly dense, consisting of very compact, tiny, bottle conditioned bubbles. Prominent lacing in wisps.
Nose begins with soft gingerbread and light cookie dough malts. Vigorous, tiny bubbles move up through the liquid, carrying the aroma strongly from the glass. Cinnamon, allspice and tastefully done ginger. Refreshingly similar to Anchor OSA of years past. Spicy, but with a full backing of cookieish malts. Fresh yeast mixes with the spice to refresh the senses at every sniff.
Flavor is spicy with light licorice dryness, that lingers on the palate, while ginger adds to the spice level. Not as sweet as the nose would suggest, with more dry pale malts, caramel sugars (though dry) and maybe a touch of crystal malt? Light breadiness on end, with a mild sourdough note that melds well with the sugars, adding complexity. Ginger and light licorice linger on end creating a balance. Though the spice is prominent, the round, sweet malts soak it up and the chewy-smooth texture rounds the astringency in to spiciness that simply refreshes. 45 minutes later, the balance even improves, if that’s possible. Engaging, tight carbonation with an unfiltered, substantial texture and no sign of alcohol.

Classic golden ale with a thin white head. Intense nutmeg and cloves in aroma. Light ale with light hops, with spices being less pronounced than expected. Medium bodied. Refreshing. Quaffable spices beer. Enjoyed at YEHa!05 Christmas Party on Dec. 17th, 2005.