The 2011 version of Anchor Christmas Ale is the 37th version, different every year since Anchor Brewing started making it in the holiday season of 1975.   They won’t say what malts or hops are in it, and I’m not good enough to discern them on my own, but based on the taste profile I’d call it a winter warmer.  It’s a medium to heavy bodied ale, with roasted chocolate on the nose, chocolate and cherry in the middle and a sweet fruity finish.  I think they’ve come up with a winner in this year’s recipe.