Anchor 2005 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Ale

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Anchor 2005 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Ale
Anchor Brewing Co.
San Francisco, CA


Apparently 2005 was a very good year for Anchor or this stuff just ages very well. Should it? Tastes somewhat like a bock in its own worty carmelly way but enhanced by some smoke and stout maltiness. There was a virulent suds and swirling in the pour and the balanced dark flavors had mild hallucinagetic qualities which maximize relaxation in a hot bathtub. Otherwise a cross pollination between a dark ale and a light stout.

On the second bottle I tried there was noticeably more spices that didn't come through on the original tasting along with a cranberryish taste that blended well with the syrupy caramel smoke. I guess you never know what you're going to get with year and a half old beer.

-Wörtwurst