You know the holiday season is near when Anchor Brewing rolls out their annual Christmas Ale release, a tradition that started way back in 1975. This particular bottle of brew made its way to The Murder Table via The Alemonger and our "Life Under Quarantine Adult Beverage Exchange Program" which is the only way to share with friends these days.
The 2020 release brings a new recipe, a higher ABV, and a new label. Here's what Anchor Brewing has to say about it:
Year after year, Anchor creates a new, secret recipe with a unique hand drawn label for their Christmas Ale, but the intent with each brew remains the same: joy for the changing seasons and celebration of the newness of life.The 2020 Anchor Christmas Ale is a one-of-a-kind, featuring the highest ABV at 7% and darkest appearance of any vintage. Yet, this year's release is easy-drinking and approachable for everyone at a holiday gathering or virtual event.Each year a new symbolic hand-drawn tree is chosen for the Christmas Ale label. This year's label features The Three Graces; three iconic towering sequoias from the Mariposa Grove in California's Yosemite National Park. This is only the second time in its 46-year history that multiple trees are shown together on the label, a fitting statement to symbolize togetherness and hope in a year when so much time has been spent apart. The Three Graces represent radiance, joy, and flowering - characteristics that we can all hold near during this unprecedented time.The Alemonger and several other folks have lauded this year's release with very high praise, so we went into this tasting with especially high expectations. To find out what WE thought of this beer, click the play button on the following video:
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