Last night Marcia and I ordered take-out from the Blue Dog Pub. They have a nice selection of beer, and I usually browse and purchase a bottle or two (or sometimes more). So last night I picked up four different bottles. I had one last night and one tonight.
Anchor Brewing 2005 Christmas Ale
They change the recipe every year. Though this is the first year I have had it, so I can’t compare. I enjoyed it, but realized as I got closer to the bottom of the glass that I should have let it warm up more before starting. The flavors came out the warmer it got, which seems typical of holiday brews (or at least those that I have come across). It had a nice sweet, spicy flavor. (I can’t identify the spices, I just know that the spice in a holiday brew is less powerful or harsh then a pumpkin ale). The Blue Dog had quite a few bottles of this, so I will probably go get a few more to get me through the holiday season.
Couldn’t find an image of the label.
Those not familiar with Saranac will find out they have a penchant for making MANY different brews. They have six (or so) that they make year round, then brew many different kinds beyond those that they throw into their variety cases. They are usually good. Not great. Those cases are usually get for get togethers, like our Pizza Night, so that it satisfies a lot of different tastes and it’s good beer.
The Pumpkin Ale though seemed to fall somewhere between good and great. It complimented our dinner really well, which was turkey sausage and french fries. Yeah, I didn’t think it would, but I was in the mood for the Pumpkin Ale tonight. Like all the pumpkin ales I have had before, it had a nice spicy flavor, more so then the holiday brews, but was not overpowering. It was rather smooth, maybe good for beginners, just giving off the spicy taste and little else.
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