Day 124, May 4 / Anchor Steam Beer

Day 124  /  May 4, 2011

Anchor Steam Beer

Anchor Brewing Company / San Francisco, CA

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Anchor Steam Beer is the flagship beer of the Anchor Brewing Company, which was founded  in San Francisco in 1896.  The brewery has a very storied history, beginning operations during the Gold Rush, burning down, being rebuilt, and almost ceasing operations at least twice.  In 1965, Fritz Maytag (great-grandson of the founder of the Maytag appliance company, and son of the creator of Maytag Blue cheese) bought the brewery, and over the next 45 years rebuilt the brewery into one of America’s first and best craft breweries.

In 2010, Maytag sold the brewery to former executives from Skyy vodka.  The tasting room at the Anchor Brewery is on the list of the Top 150 Places to Have a Beer (I haven’t made it there yet).

Anchor Steam, along with Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, have always been "go to" selections if they are among the most unique beers at a bar or restaurant.  I’ll pick either of these over a Sam Adams Boston Lager any day.  Anchor has a great balance of hops and malt taste, and a cool, crisp, refreshing taste.