Anchor Steam Beer
Beer No: 33/1001
Page No: 42
Category: Amber
So here I was, in the middle of writing a quick review for RateBeer.com and I took a few seconds to hop on over to Google Reader ot see what was new in my in-box. I click on my "Beers" category and what was this!? Anchor Brewing has been sold! Brookston Beer Bulletin has the full story.
The Griffin Group, an investment and consulting company focused on beverage alcohol brands, announced its acquisition of Anchor Brewing Company which includes its portfolio of craft beers and artisan spirits, including the award winning Anchor Steam Beer.
I was shocked. As you can see on the bottle, it's been brewed since 1896 and has weathered all sorts of ups and downs in the market, but now, it appears that they couldn't weather the storm any more. The article goes on to note that the new owners worked with the brewery during the purchase and they are looking to keep the brewery as-is, but that's hard to imagine. I'm sure there will be some changes, but hopefully they can continue to put out great beer.
I think I have to agree with what Fritz Maytag (former president?) of Anchor Brewing states in the last paragraph of the 1001 Beers write-up: "It's not a radical beer, just mellow, pleasant, rich, and satisfying. On my world travels, I always find myself wondering how it will taste when I get home. I've always just been thrilled." There's nothing outrageous about this beer. It's just a solid, well-brewed, refreshing beer. I usually tend to lean towards liking beers with more hops than malts, but this malty beer really delivers. Crisp, cool, it just quenches your thirst and is a solid, reliable beer to pick up when you're in a pinch.
My review, cross-posted at RateBeer.com:
Anchor Steam Beer from Anchor Brewing Company
Aroma: 7/10
Appearance: 4/5
Taste: 8/10
Palate: 3/5
Overall: 13/20
Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
Had from six-pack from BevMo. Pours a beautiful copper color with slight head, slight lacing, and good carbonation. Aroma is malty - hints of toast and caramel. Good balance of malts and hops with a little more of a lean towards malts. Finishes dry and sweet, very nice
