This week’s beer of the week is the Anchor’s Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ale.

The beer is brewed in San Francisco at the Anchor Brewing Co. The historic brewery has been making beer since 1896.

With its caramelly, honey front, and mild spice notes, the brew provides a great way to welcome the month of December.

And the dark brown beer’s spicy and sweet scent will make you think Christmas has come early.

The brew is aged in large wood barrels and is sold in both six-packs and 1.5 liter "magnum bottles."

"The Merry Christmas and Happy New Year should be paired with a rum cake," said Joe Hotek of John’s Grocery, 401 E. Market St. "Or anything on the sweeter side to complement the beer’s spiciness."

This year, come to the realization that Santa probably gets tired of milk and eggnog. Your sugar cookies will pair perfectly with the 1.5 liter bottle of Anchor beer you leave out for him.

— by Jordan Montgomery