Today is the final day of the Beer Advent Calendar! And if you’ve made it all the through today, you’re treated with today’s beer pick, Anchor Christmas Ale—a beer I’ve featured every single year as I consider Anchor’s annual Our Special Ale to perfectly embody the spirit of the season and set the stage for the modern craft brewing “holiday beer” tradition.

Every year since 1975 the brewers of Anchor Steam® Beer 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. Our tree for 2013 is the California White Fir. It was hand drawn by local artist James Stitt, who has been creating Christmas Ale labels for us since 1975.

This one is a treat every year and I hope you find it under your tree! Merry Christmas!

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