Welcome to day four of fourteen days of Anchor Christmas spanning 14 years of the beer. You can view the back story and the tasting for 2001, 2002 and 2003.
Day 4: Anchor Christmas 2004 (3o years)
Anchor Christmas 2004
Tree:Â Inspired by the original Christmas Ale tree
Neck Label Text: This is the thirtieth 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. 30 years is prominently printed in the center of the neck label.
Tasting Notes: Tulip glass. 2o04 is the thirtieth year. I’m sounding a bit repetitive here, but 2004 pretty much falls in line with the previous three years. I think the carbonation is holding up a bit better this year. There’s more of the spruce / evergreen spice taste this year than last. I’m also noticing that the nose much more closely matches the taste for me this year. I’m also getting more chocolate notes this year. I missed tasting yesterday, so I had to taste 2003 and 2004 back to back. I think I’m enjoying 2004 the most so far.
This year also has the green label on the back with what I assume is a lot number along with the bar code, government warning and the recycling information.