The Swill: Anchor Chirstmas Ale
The Still: Anchor Brewing Company
San Francisco, California
http://www.anchorbrewing.com/
The Drill: Seasonal Specialty Ale, 12oz bottle, 5.5% ABV, available November through January
The Spill: 2008 was the 34th year that Anchor brewed its special Christmas Ale, and no two recipes have ever been the same. This one is an extremely deep ruby color, replete with fruity and floral notes. Plummy in the drinking, it's true to the tradition of many Christmas Ales, made to blend with holiday traditions like fruitcake and cranberry sauce, and ease down the dry turkey with a warm, dark cherry finish. The hops add an almost pine-like overtone as well. A great beer to go with the season.
Says Bill: It should be obvious by now that winter is my favorite time of beer. All of my favorites come out when the weather is cold and folks are in need of a little warming up. This particular brew kept me company throughout a long evening of garage cleaning and wrapping paper organizing. 'Twas the week before Christmas, and it helped me get in the spirit for sure.
Refill?: I'll be looking in my stocking for the 2009 edition: 3.5 taps out of 5.