TGR StaffWith a history stretching back to 1849 Anchor Brewing is one of the oldest brewers in the US. It all started Pacific Street near Russian Hill in San Francisco, the company thrived through the late 1800s and even survived the San Francisco earthquake and devastating fires of 1906. But when Prohibition became the law of the land in 1920, Anchor like all other legitimate brewers was forced out of business. Post prohibition the brewery began production again of what has become the brand’s signature brew, Anchor Steam.
Forty-five years ago, Anchor Brewing Company released the first holiday beer in America since Prohibition. Former Anchor Brewmaster Fritz Maytag made the first edition as a Pale Ale, but today’s Anchor Christmas Ale is a dark Spiced Brown Ale. We were fortunate enough to have Anchor Brewing send us a six-pack of their 2020 Christmas Brew to try and the consensus is this one of the best dark beers we have ever tasted.
This year’s vintage features the highest ABV at 7% and is darkest of any vintage to date. The first note you get chocolate and coffee, the holiday-inspired flavors don’t end there, as you enjoy the silky smoothness of the beer, it almost tastes like a s’more. We would recommend drinking it as a dessert beer as it paired well with our Nico’s of Texas pumpkin cheesecake, but it could be a dessert in itself.
We highly recommend the Anchor Brewing 2020 Christmas Ale and thankful it is offered as most major retailers like Specs, Bevmo, and Total Wine & More. Find the retailer near you at the Anchor Brewing Beer Finder.
