Anchor Brewing Company Our Special Ale (2017) Christmas / Winter Specialty Spiced Beer at 6.7% ABV | 40 IBU (C$29.99 at Quarry Park Calgary Co-Op, 1.5 l, best before 31-Oct-2019, acquired 17-Nov-2017, reviewed 24-Dec-2017)
Appearance: clear brown with 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: moderate-high sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium-full body, moderate carbonation, lingering slightly sticky finish. (4/5)
After last year’s Xmas Eve debacle (don’t ask) the brother-in-law and I were on notice to behave. So, when we showed up at his place I said we could only have two beers… and then produced this one, and another 1.5 litre magnum, of Grolsch. The wives were suitably unimpressed. Mission accomplished! As far as the beer itself goes, very similar to last year: traditional midwinter spices and dark, molasses-y malt, with a hint of spruce. I’ve called it “fruitcake in a glass” before, and that remains my assessment. (And yes, we were good… ish…) (14/20)
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
