Anchor Steam Beer

About

Anchor Steam Beer is a quintessential California Common beer, brewed continuously since the late 19th century. It originated during the California Gold Rush, when Gottlieb Brekle, a German carpenter, began brewing in San Francisco. The beer gained its distinctive name under Ernst F. Baruth and Otto Schinkel, who renamed the brewery Anchor in 1896. The brewing process involves fermenting at cooler temperatures than typical ales, using lager yeast, which gives it a unique flavor profile. Anchor Steam Beer is known for its deep amber color and rich, malty flavor. It has an Alcohol by Volume (ABV) of 4.9%. The beer's production was refined by Fritz Maytag, who purchased the brewery in 1965 and introduced an all-malt bill and Northern Brewer hops. This transformation helped Anchor Steam become a symbol of the American craft beer movement. Despite numerous challenges, including fires and economic downturns, Anchor Steam remains a beloved and iconic beer, celebrated for its enduring history and quality.