Finally, I have gotten a good explanation for what Christmas Brews are all about. We have spent a lot of time on this blog discussing the flavors of the season, and trying to find a brew that explains Christmas in beer. I think we have been thinking about this all wrong. This has got to be a byproduct of Octoberfest beers and pumpkin brews. See they have a distinctive style to them, the same could be said for many of the pale ales that come around in the summer time. However Christmas is not a flavor, it is bigger than that, so like a peddler displaying his wares many breweries show you what they’ve got in the holiday brews. Where did I have this epiphany? At my kitchen table when I read the neck ring of this beer…
Anchor’s Merry Christmas Happy New Year 2009 beer had the explanation I had been seeking. Upon reading the neck ring, I discovered that Anchor Brewery has been crafting a holiday brew since 1974, yep that is 35 years! That little neck ring also said that they don’t use any particular style of beer for their Christmas brew, but it is simply a celebration of the season, basically a time for them to produce something unique that shows their wares so to speak. So how was the 2009 version of this holiday tradition? Pretty darn good!
The beer poured dark, but not inky black, as it came out of the bottle it looked like coffee, but as I held it up to the light I could see that it had a lot of amber tones to it. It wasn’t completely clear, but it was translucent and you could definitely see the color through the light. The head was a thin tan color that left a healthy amount of lacing on the glass. The nose on this was initially very malty and sweet, almost like a malted milk ball. Then as my nose adjusted to the maltiness different aromas were discovered like pine and a hint of citrus.
My first sip was very rewarding. The sweet malt is up front, but then nicely balanced with a piney, citrusy flavor and a hint of roasted nuttiness that wasn’t quite like coffee, maybe a little more like toasted almond. It was very tasty and well balanced.
OK, so now I get it. Does it taste like Candy Canes and Lolly Pops? No. But that is ok, because what Anchor Brewing has done is to capture the celebration of the season in a well crafted brew that they produce as a gift to their customers! Think about it. Do they need to produce a Christmas brew? No, they make plenty of money without it, but their spirit as a company and in celebration of the season comes through loud and clear. And what does it say? Glad tidings to you, and here is to a great new year!
-Don
Beer & Whiskey Brothers 
This is my second favorite this year, after the Mad Elf (which happens to taste a little like lollipops, BTW). I agree that Christmas beers are more about celebrating brewing chops more than a certain flavor, I just wish some of these guys would swing for the fences a bit. A lot of what I’ve had are mild variations on their most popular brews. Good for seasonal sales, but a little underwhelming for beer nerds.
So are you saying this beer doesn’t do that? I really wouldn’t know, because the only other beer I’ve ever had by these guys is their steam brew, and this is a huge departure from that, although I think I remember reading someplace that they do make a porter, which may be somewhat similar to this. Anyhow, I liked it a lot, and thought it will be interesting to compare between years and styles in the future.
Nice post Don. I had last year’s version and thought it was pretty good. I’ve heard from several people that this year’s batch is better, but how do you compare really if it gets changed from year-to-year? They also change the label – a different tree is used each year as well. Keep a bottle or two aside for next year if you can!
Good advice Scott. I’ll make sure I pick some up. I really liked this beer. It was very well balanced and was under $1.50 for a bottle. Great beer at a great price…nothing wrong there!
One person I know said this year’s taste a lot like fruit cake. I’ve never had fruit cake so I’m not sure on that one but I did pick up dark fruits in it.
I agree Mike. I got Cherries and Dark Plumbs on the flavor. Actually quite Christmasy.
Will be drinking this for SWUS. 50 ounce bottle full of awesome possibility.
Yeah Nate I really liked that one. So far the best of the season.