Anchor Brewing Company's annual Christmas Ale is a highly anticipated treat in the holiday beer season and the 2008 edition marks its 34th annual release. The hook that makes this beer so much fun is that the beer & its label changes every year and its ingredients are top secret. This year's edition is dark in color - a deep brownish amber, opaque. Its has a rich brown creamy foam that lingers like a good Irish Stout. The nose has no discernible hop notes, but instead offers caramel, vanilla & fig aromas. Its a malty, full bodied ale, not particularly hoppy but with a touch of roasted malt bitterness. I detect nutmeg, caramel and a little brown sugar. In previous years, there has been a good deal of spiciness in the Christmas Ales, but this year goes in a different direction. A great beer for holiday parties, Anchor offers it in magnums for sharing (or not, depending on your preference). Check out the Christmas Ale label collection from the Anchor Brewing website with all 34 versions.
Comments
Post new comment