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Anchor Our Special Ale (2005 and later)

Percentile
91
overall

bottled
common

on tap
common

Broad Distribution
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RatingsAverageScoreSeasonalABVStyle PctlServe in
10553.56/5.03.56/5.0Winter5.5%94.7Lager glass, Tumbler
Commercial Description:
This is our special ale from the brewers at Anchor. It is sold only 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. Since ancient times, trees have symbolized the winter solstice when the earth, with its seasons appears born anew. <br /><br /> Editor’s Note: due to the significant similarity in style and strength from year to year (despite potential differences in the exact spice blend), this beer is no longer separated by vintage.
 Most Recent Top Raters Highest Ratings Who's Rated This?  
 BeerBiker (1392), Kathmandu, Nepal
3.2 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
6/104/56/103/513/20

Sep 15, 2009  
[Bought at UTO-beer, Borough Market, London.] A good thirstquencher for autumn-times. Not that christmas-sweet-like as the belgian ones, but more like an original ale added with spices, but a goodone is it indeed. Brown look with offw. head and notes of weak spices as cardamomme, cinnamon, some wood. Light and easy drinkable.

 dogfish120love (263), west hartford, Connecticut, USA
3 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
5/103/56/102/514/20
Dec 3, 2009  
Appearance is very dark and reddish brown. I feel like this has been exposed to some extreme conditions it tastes miserable.


jport4087 (87), Pennsylvania, USA
3.5 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
6/104/57/104/514/20
Dec 3, 2009  
Dark brown color with a small tan head. Sweet, spiced aroma of nutmeg, molasses and spices. Flavor of sweet malts, brown sugar, and nutmeg.


philbertk (51), Seattle, Washington, USA
4.2 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/105/58/104/517/20
Dec 2, 2009  
Remarks Great Fresh, but Aged better. Big foamy thin tan mild lace head.Clear dark bronze red color.Roasted nutmeg clove floral mild hop front.Thin dry sweet mild crusty burnt spice body.Dry hop malt citrus balanced refreshing light end.Malt spice dominates thin crisp brew.


matthewjk (67), Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
3.2 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
5/103/56/103/515/20
Dec 2, 2009  
ehhh...it’s okay I guess. Sort of reminds me of English style ales that put a whole bunch of unnecessary spices into their ales that actually detract from the flavor. Aroma is a little off for me. Not the worst tasting herbal / spice concoction, but not great. Most likely the only seasonal spice brew I will be consuming this year.


 junon (220), Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
3.4 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
6/103/57/103/515/20
Dec 2, 2009  
Definitely an Earthy beer. Spices and herbs. A bit of candy. Reminds me of my grandmothers secret remedies. Its almost like an alcoholic cola. Such an odd style.


 1FastSTi (2560), Glendale, Wisconsin, USA
3.6 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/104/57/104/514/20
Dec 1, 2009  
2005: Pours to a deep brown body with a tall dark tan head that lasts pretty decently. The aroma is more spicy than previous vintages with ginger and nutmeg or mace. Less twiggy earthiness in this too. The taste is tangy but not sour with some chocolate and lightly hops. Earthy light twigs. Seems moderately different than the 2004. Medium palate that seems lightly dry.


 jlruthven (137), Milledgeville, Georgia, USA
3.8 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/104/57/104/516/20
Nov 30, 2009  
Fresh 2009 bottle. Pours into a pint glass a dark, dull reddish-brown, one-inch frothy light-brown head that dissipates about halfway and remains. Nose is heavy on the brown sugar; also a bit of an old (not bad) roasty note and cinnamon. Somewhat thin mouthfeel, tastes heavily of cloves, candied fruits (pears and plums), plus heavy British pudding. Finishes bitter, with a touch of brandy. This seems significantly thinner than last year’s breadier variety, but is still a great sessioner. No complaints here.


 wingman333 (242), San Antonio, Texas, USA
2.5 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
5/103/55/103/59/20
Nov 30, 2009  
2009...I remember liking previous years much more. This one is thin in flavor primarily, mainly a brown ale, with some burnt roast added with a hint of pear juice or maybe pineapple. Weak this year. Would not recommend unless you like brown ales.



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