Anchor Brewing Company Our Special Ale (2015) Christmas / Winter Specialty Spiced Beer at 5.5% ABV (C$3.23 at NLC Stavanger, 355 ml, best before 1-Jan-2017, reviewed 29-Nov-2015)
Appearance: nearly solid black with only faint ruby highlights, one finger of rocky tan head, good retention and spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: toffee, molasses, coffee, dark chocolate and fruits, spices, woody spruce. (7/10) Taste: moderately strong sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium-full slightly oily body, moderate carbonation, lingering slightly sticky finish. (4/5)
Definitely an interesting winter warmer style of brew. Lots of traditional midwinter spices and dark, molasses-y malt give it a lot of the “fruitcake in a glass” character I like to see in these ales. There’s more than a hint of spruce, which makes me think they might actually incorporate spruce tips into the brew, but it’s not overwhelming or medicinal. (14/20)
My 205th from the 2010 Edition (194th from the 2013 edition), and 216th combining both editions.
7/10 #1001beers #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
