Has anyone tried the Anchor Christmas Ale?

I have yet to try it ... each year is great IMO.

Cheers!!

-- Jason Alstrom

-- BeerAdvocate.com Extreme Beer Fest -- Jan. 29th, 2005

It's actually called "Our Special Ale", and it is good this year. The spices seem to blend quite well, and there isn't the sometimes harsh flavor (juniper berries?) that Anchor OSA can have. You probably won't want to sit down and drink a six pack but it's a good and unique drink to savor a glass or two.

_Randal

Not necessarily for everyone. Spiced with various things, I taste a bit of nutmeg or ginger, maybe juniper. Even this year I thought I could get just a hint of allspice. I like it now but the first time I had it I was put off a little.

Oh, I would recommend it in a second. It's a bit creamy with wonderful clove and spruce flavors. They change the recipe every year and this year it is really wonderful. Have a friend or two over and you'll really enjoy the six pack in the spirit of the season. Enjoy!

I think it's a bit to heavy on the spicing for me at first. But I recently tried a 2003 Our Special Ale and it was much more mellow, and almost pleasant.

I work for a company called Old chicago pasta and pizza, we have 132 diffrent beers that we sell 30 on tap. Many christmas beers but not that one, yet.

I work for a company called Old chicago pasta and pizza, we have 132 diffrent beers that we sell 30 on tap. Many christmas beers but not that one, yet.

That's because Old Chicago doesn't sell very many truly good beers, just

85 different pale lagers from around the world. And besides, Anchor's OSA doesn't taste good served at 36 deg F in a frosty mug.

Man I'll second that one! Unfortunately everyone on the Colorado Front Range thinks Old Chicago is some kind of good beer bar when it's really just a glorified Friday's or Bennigan's. They tried to serve me a giant mug of Samuel Adams Chocolate Porter in an iced-over mug and I sent it back.

_Randal

Covered all the bases, didn't you?

I got...pine tree. That said, I enjoyed this year's OSA more than any other in recent memory.

Scott Kaczorowski Seal Beach, CA

ummm, no. could've listed cinnamon, coriander, rosemary, mint, etc. etc. I didn't actually taste any of those in OSA, but if I was just trying to cover all the bases, I could have done better...

I don't find it that piney at all.

Got a sixer last night. I like it. Different. Definately Piney with a hint of allspice.

Tried it at the local pub last night and really liked it. Very complex mix of flavors but overall pretty balanced (nothing overpowering) and a nice mellow aftertaste.

Tasted my honey's Harpoon Winter Warmer which was also pretty good. Much bigger byte of Juniper softened by honey and some spice I couldn't identify.

We ended up having one of each for the evening to wash down our Burgers.

Jon