The Drunken Polack

Found: Total Wine
Price: Around 2 dollars a bottle
Website: http://www.anchorbrewing.com/
What the company says: San Francisco’s famous Anchor Steam the classic of American brewing tradition since 1896, is virtually handmade, with an exceptional respect for the ancient art of brewing. The deep amber color, thick creamy head, and rich flavor all testify to our traditional brewing methodsAnchor Steam is unique, for our brewing process has evolved over many decades and is like no other in the world.

What I say: I’ve only had one other beer from this brewery and that was their Merry Xmas 2007 Ale.  Which I thought was fantastic.  The Steam beer is their flagship brew and it gets a good rating on Beer Advocate.  So I had to give it a try. 

The Look: Poured a deep amber color with a good amount of fluffy white head. 

What the nose thought: Very malty.  A biscuit type of smell.  Caramel and spices are in the background with a good amount of honey.

And the tastebuds?: The malt hits you first.  Hops are their but not to much.  The caramel and the spice linger in the background while the honey plays a big role in the taste. 

The feel: Slightly carbonated.  Easy to drink.

Would you drink more?:No.  This beer just wasnt for me.  I can see other people just loving it to death.  But for me it wasnt anything special.

Ending notes: I think this beer would take on a different life on draft.  If I can only find it.

Rating: C

Found: Local Total Wine
Price: Around 10 dollars a six pack
Website: http://www.anchorbrewing.com
What the company says: The brewers of Anchor Steam® Beer are proud to announce the release of our thirty-third annual Christmas Ale. 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.

What I say:  Last week as I was checking out, I spotted a six pack of this stuff and knew I had to try it.  It ended up being the last six pack they had.  The man behind the counter said it was very good and that they weren’t getting anymore.  You know I had to pick it up!

The Look: This lovely beer pours very little head.  Color is dark brown.  But this beer fools you!  If you look through the light you’ll see it has nice dark ruby red highlights. 

What the nose thought: A treat for the nose!  Spicey, cinnamon, nutmeg.  It’s hard to tell everything in there.  Packed with great spicey smells.  There’s also some fruit in there.  Cherries came to mind.  Just an awesome mixture of spice and fruit.

And the tastebuds?: A nice spicy kick but not overwhelming.  Nutmeg and cinnamon all around.  Just fantastic!

The feel: The spices attack your tongue. Kinda feels like when your drinking a soda and the carbination hits your lips and tongue.

Would you drink more?: Oh hell yes.  If I can only find some.  I’m afraid it’s all gone from my area. 

Ending notes: Wow wow.  A fantastic seasonal beer.  Heck a fantastic beer no matter what.  Seriously if you see this try it.  The recipe is different every year.  Like Stones Vertical Epic.  Don’t miss out.

Rating: A