annus mirabilis

An annus mirabilis is a year in which several great things happen at the same time. In the context of entire countries, there have been several such years over the last few centuries: 1905, for example, was a landmark year for physics thanks to Albert Einstein’s groundbreaking discoveries, and the mid-1950s saw polio eradicated and the world’s first intensive care units opened, making 1954 a miracle year. On a global level, reasons for declaring an Annus Mirabilis are usually earth-shattering discoveries or inventions, but we are quite willing to use the term miracle year for smaller, less spectacular events.

You can do this very easily if you directly reach for the beer of the same name. Annus Mirabilis is a New England India Pale Ale-style Double IPA brewed by Bad Seed Brewing. Several batches of this beer have already been brewed, but the current one is the juiciest yet. Scent and taste are characterized by intense orange notes that taste and smell like freshly squeezed orange juice and the aromatic zest of sun-kissed fruits. Malt, wheat and rolled oats provide a strong body for the hop festival and give the beer its velvety texture. The yeast contributes a harmonious spiciness, while the hops complement and complete the play of aromas with a brilliant bitterness.