Fourteen Days of Anchor Christmas: Day 14 – Anchor Christmas 2014 and Recap

Welcome to day fourteen of fourteen days of Anchor Christmas spanning 14 years of the beer. You can view the back story and the tasting for 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Anchor Christmas 2014

Day 14: Anchor Christmas 2014

Tree: Giant Sequoia, Sequoiadendron giganteum

Anchor Label 

Neck Label Text: This is the fortieth “Our Special Ale” from the brewers at Anchor. It is sold only from early November to mid-January. The Ale’s recipe is different every year, but the intent with which we offer it remains the same: joy and celebration of the newness of life. In ancient times trees symbolized the winter solstice when the earth with its seasons appears born anew.

Tasting Notes: Founders Brewing Tulip glass. We’re up to the current year. All of the qualities of the annual Our Special Ale are present. The caramel, malty, raisin taste along with the spice / piney taste from the added spices and hops. This is a great winter beer whether you’ve aged it or not. I always look forward to a six pack each November / December as a part of my holiday tradition.

Recap: Overall, I think my vertical fourteen year tasting has kept in line with what I read from others. This beer holds up really well for the first three or four years and generally goes down from there.

• 2011-2014 : Generally great. Exactly what you expect and aging does change the flavor a bit
• 2009-2010: These didn’t hold up well.
• 2007-2008: These were oddly good although 2007 had something going on with its smell.
• 2001-2006: It’s a real mixed bag but generally these didn’t hold up very well

Other Observations:

• The text on the neck label changed subtly over the years including expanding the production period in 2003.
• They added a label on the back in 2002.
• They didn’t give the scientific name (Ginko Biloba) on the 2010 label for some reason.

Cheers!