Anchor Steam Beer

The Classic of American Brewing Tradition

Many myths exist about Anchor Steam beer and its unusual name. The most widely accepted story goes back to the early days of San Francisco City. In 1896, when the brewery began, someone suggested the beer made a hissing sound like steam as its natural carbonation escaped from the tap. The name Anchor Steam was born.

While the Anchor Brewery and its fine beer was enjoyed as a local brew for many decades, it wasn’t until the mid 1960s when entrepreneur Fritz Maytag saw its potential and worked to promote the popularity of the beer outside the city and state. The resurrection of Anchor Steam Brewery touched off a brewing revolution in America and made it apparent that a small batch brewer could survive and prosper. Anchor Steam, a much enjoyed local favorite, was destined to lead the U.S. micro brewery movement.

When poured in a glass, Anchor Steam is a dark gold liquid with a creamy tan head. A two inch collar of foam with lingering foam lattice forms around the inside of the glass. As it is put to the nose, the initial sensation is one of a complex yet pleasant malt smell. When sipped, the aroma quickly becomes a mouthful of sweet malted barley. Interestingly, it is only after the beer is swallowed that you become aware of a pleasant hop sensation.

Anchor Steam beer is a wonderful all malt beer that deserves to be savored with friends. It has an alcohol content of 4.9% by volume that is the result of using expensive two row barley along with Northern Brewer hops. The hops combination yields a clean yet slightly bitter taste. At 152 calories, this not a beer for people who are in a counting calories mood, but it is a beer to be enjoyed anytime when you want a truly refreshing malt beverage.

As reported in the last issue of the Beverage Journal, Fritz Maytag recently sold the Anchor Steam Brewery to two industry veterans, Tony Foglio and Keith Greggor.