Anchor Steam- Christmas Ale: Not the present you wanted under the tree, but better than a pair of socks!

San Francisco based Anchor Steam recently released their 35^th annual “Christmas Ale.” This might be one of the strangest brews of the season. Upon opening Jason immediately commented on the wine like aroma. This beer is a merlot with a hint of smoked hops; this is not a good combo like grape jelly and salmon. It is very flat and with a strong after taste. Unlike Jason I am not going to aggrandize the awesomeness of smoked beers, because smoked foods are for fisherman and old women.   

The website describes this brew as, “Every year since 1975 the brewers at Anchor have brewed a distinctive and unique Christmas Ale, which is available from early November to mid-January. The Ale's recipe is different every year—as is the tree on the label—but the intent with which we offer it remains the same: joy and celebration of the newness of life. Since ancient times, trees have symbolized the winter solstice when the earth, with its seasons, appears born anew.”

This description makes me suspicious, haven’t they come up with a keeper in 35 years? Let’s just hope next years tastes nothing like this. I understanding that playing around with flavor combos is part of the brewing process but this one just fell flat, literally. If I want my mouth to taste like smoke I will go down to the Flying-J rest stop and tongue kiss a trucker behind the diesel pumps.  

 Abv: 5.5%

Consumed: New Belgium Globe Glass

Verdict: Bum One From A Friend