Anchor Brewing Company

This was one of my favorites beer from the original series of Jingle Beers. Anchor's Our Special Ale is a Christmas seasonal that is rich and spicy in a very well balanced way. This beer starts off tasting a bit like cinnamon and nutmeg, not super strong but still obviously spiced. Those flavors meld into a syrupy caramel, almost butterscotch, maltiness that mellows everything out before the finish. Our Special Ale finishes with a flavor reminiscent of a pine cone. Distinctly like pine yet syrupy, like I'd imagine sap tasting... Afterward, you're palate is coated in a sweet flavor similar to a mild maple syrup.

To me, Anchor Steam Beer is the reason why I try not to judge a beer before I drink it. I put off drinking Anchor Steam for the longest time because I was convinced it was a hoppy California IPA. I don't remember why exactly, but I probably just confused Anchor with Sierra Nevada... Anyways, when I finally had my first Anchor Steam Beer it was something of an epiphany. There were not angels singing or trumpets or anything like that, but it was a real surprise. This beer wasn't super hoppy and it didn't taste like dandelions or pine cones. I've had a few more Steam Beers since then and every time I drink one I like it even more.