Anchor Brewing Company – Christmas Ale 2015

Anchor Brewing Company – Christmas Ale 2015

Christmas Ale
Brewed in: San Francisco, California, USA
BJCP Style:  21B. Christmas/Winter Specialty Spiced Beer
ABV: 5.5%
Bottle
Bottled on: 9/22/15
Tasting on: 12/19/15
Glass: Stemmed Stout

Aroma: Overtones of pine and peat. Undertones of cocoa, toasted almonds, and smoke. 8.5/10

Appearance: Very dark brown to black, with deep ruby highlights. Tan head with excellent retention. 10/10

Flavor: Dry cocoa in the beginning followed by subtle pine and minor dark-roasted malt in the middle. Minor hop bitterness in the end along with hints of lemon and bubblegum. The aftertaste is peaty with some dark-roasted malt. 18/20

Mouthfeel: Medium body with moderate carbonation. No alcohol. 8/10

Overall Impression: Complex aroma and flavor with just the right amount of pine, cocoa and smoke to remind you of Christmas while still being sprightly and refreshing. 46/50

Final Score: 91% = B+