Shorts Brewing Company- Anniversary Ale 2010: A birthday done right, six years and counting…
Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 4:26PM | by Wes 
Every time I make a trip back to Michigan it is customary to bring some Shorts home with me. My buddy Ryan was buzzing about the Shorts Brew Anniversary Ale. He said despite its hefty price tag it was simply delicious. I was able to track some down in only one Northern Michigan location. After the initial sticker shock wore off I knew that this had to make its way back to Chicago.
Short’s Anniversary Ale is billed as a “Blood Orange Wheat Wine,” and is made with blood oranges and green peppercorns, it is also dry hopped. Anniversary Ale pours a clear ruby hue with a very light carbonation with a thin and wispy head. The scent is very citrusy with a slight hint of hops, it actually does smell faintly reminiscent of a merlot or similar red wine. You can also detect an undeniable scent of alcohol. Not shocking from a beer with a 11.7% ABV.
Wow, Holy Shinikes! This brew is freaking amazing. It is citrusy, piney, sweet, sour, hoppy and one of a kind. There is no other beer like Shorts’ Brews Anniversary Ale. I think I am in love. It has the warming effect of a good glass of wine. The blood oranges and peppercorns contrast brilliantly against the hops. It initial mouthfeel is sweet, then you get a perfectly balanced hop blast followed by the tangy zip of peppercorns. Amazing, miraculous, brilliant, unequivocally perfect!!!! Damn I am in love. A beer this powerful should not go down so smoothly, pure perfection and dangerous in a good way.
Normally I have a very difficult time giving a super expensive beer my highest rating, but this earned it. Even at $16.49 a sixer, this brew is worth every penny. It takes a lot to crack my top ten, but Short’s Anniversary Ale may have just cracked my top five. I don’t care how you get your hands on this devilish delight, TRACK IT DOWN. I am in awe…
ABV: 11.7%
Consumed: Pint Glass
Verdict: Buy a Keg!
