http://m.washingtonpost.com/blogs/a...f70e584-2ac4-11e2-bab2-eda299503684_blog.html Interesting article about OSA, especially with the brewmaster saying they will probably completely overhaul the recipe next year. Also, apparently their Liberty Ale evolved from the original recipe of OSA, and the spiced version wasn't introduced until 1987. Thoughts on the recipe change? I love this beer, but I totally understand the feeling that they've done all they can do with it, and instead of going with the norm, they're trying something new.
I thought the recipe changed every year? (Haven't read the link, going now...) Okay, memory not fading yet. Gotta say that I kind of agree, and that "big change" is enticing.
Was worth it too, wasn't it? (I have to wonder what majority of BA members are really as smart-assed in-person? I sure as hell am, but I've got quick reflexes)
Here's hoping for a higher abv. I am hoping for more a a Mad Elf type feel. Please, don't hop the hell out of it, I want my christmas beers nice and malty.
What I like about OSA is how it has a Christmas/winter feel without being high in ABV. It tastes like root beer to me, but I mean that in a good way. If they are going to make big changes next year, I'll probably buy more than usual this year and cellar some of it.
Just had this year's version on tap and was a little disappointed. Great spruce/spice aroma, but the flavor was a bit on the bland side, not malty enough, and all that christmasy stuff from the nose failed to materialize much in the taste.
Did anyone else think this was a marketing ploy for just that reason? I thought better of it after it sunk in that this wasn't a press release, just the brewmaster commenting to a paper. I guess I'm still suspicious of the the new owners?
I've only ever know Anchor OSA to be a spiced porter / winter warmer type beer, so if they do change it dramatically, I will be somewhat disappointed. That being said, he is the brewmaster and can do what he want (assuming the owners agree). Interesting to see that the original OSA evolved into Liberty Ale. I hope they don't get rid of the magnum format. It's great to share a big bottle on Christmas Eve with everyone. Along the same lines, I hope the keep the ABV reasonable and the style approachable so that everyone will enjoy it. Being able to age it and keep verticals going would be cool too.
I'd try it out like I do every year. I hope they do keep the art style though (different tree each year). Pretty unique compared to other winter seasonal labels.
Well, I'm a bit trepidatious myself. I have no objection to bringing out a radically different recipe, but I think I shall miss the "old" spiced style (noting that I understand the recipe to vary somewhat each year anyway). I am definitely going to need to pick up some of this year's to have and hold on to.
