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Anchor Our Special Ale (2005 and later)

Anchor Our Special Ale (2005 and later)

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 Percentile 
88
overall
A Spice/Herb/Vegetable brewed by
Anchor Brewing Company

San Francisco, California USA

bottled
common

on tap
common

Broad Distribution
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 Ratings  Average  Score  Seasonal  ABV  Style Pctl  Serve in  Advanced 
8213.57/5.03.56/5.0Winter5.5%94.3Lager glass, Tumbler P  Stats

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.

Most RecentTop RatersHighest Ratings Who's Rated This?
NickVega (71), Eugene, Oregon, USA
5 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
10/105/510/105/520/20
Aug 19, 2007  
Perfect. I have had every year since I can remember. Usually in bottle and on tap. Also -- at Stuffed Sandwiches in CA you can usually try different years (aged) side by side. Wish I had it everyday.


monkey_man (57), USA
4.9 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
9/105/510/105/520/20
Nov 30, 2007  
October 2006 bottling date; from my recall; all consumed 12-06: Can there be anything better? This is the most incredible/accessible spiced libation each and every year since 1997 (in my humble experience). Just a stunning example of the brilliance of Anchor. Methinks the Belgiums be losin’ their luster... jus’ like the Yankees...


 doublebock (162), USA
4.8 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
9/105/510/105/519/20
Feb 27, 2007  
Ruby color, solid dark head that actually sparkles. Starts with a sweetness that carries the flavor of ginger and orange peel Feels like a piece of candy in the mouth. Ends with a perfect transition to fresh hoppiness. Whoever said beer should be made from only 4 ingredients never tasted this beer.


b7j0c (10), USA
4.7 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
10/105/59/104/519/20
Nov 20, 2005  
I really look forward to this release, and 2005 is no exception. Pours dark, nearly opaque with a beige head that diffuses quickly. Full body and spicy. One of my favorite beers.


 TheBeerLover (1013), DC Metro Area, USA
4.7 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
10/105/510/105/517/20
Feb 14, 2006  
A Christmas/Winter classic. The season just would not be the same without this beer. I’ve been drinking this beer every Christmas/Winter since 1991, and the 2005 version, is another excellent vintage. Spiced beers in general, have its share of critics, some believe spice has no place in beer. I disagree. Anchor OSA remains the one of the best spiced beers on the market today. OSA 05 pours to a beautiful, deep brown color, with a thick, creamy, tan head, and a good bit of carbonation. The nose on this beer is wonderful, with lots of spicy aromas of orange peel, citron, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The palate is firm with lots of good dark, chocolate, sweet, and mild roasted malt flavor, paried with some candied citron, and orange flavor that glides on the tongue. OSA 05 finishes with more of those complex malty and spicy flavors up front, then ends with some citrus hop bitterness, and some spicy cinnamon and nutmeg spice that linger. A perfect Christmas beer, and an outstanding winter warmer. Sip and savor this one.




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