Family Pale Ale Style American Amber Ale
Country USA (CA) ABV 4.9%
Price $$ Packaging 12oz/355ml, 22oz/650ml bottle
Characteristics Bitter, malty, hoppy, refreshing

Overview There’s a lot of debate about whether Anchor Steam is a true example of the historical San Francisco Steam Beer style, but there’s little question that this is a classic American craft beer. The brewery dates its history to 1896, but the current incarnation goes back to 1965, when Fritz Maytag (of the appliance family) purchased the brewery and began building an icon of the modern craft beer movement.

Flavors and aromas Anchor Steam is not, technically, a pale ale—it’s fermented at ale temperatures with a lager yeast—but it has much more in common with, say, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale than with Budweiser. There’s some fruity yeast character, along with clean toasty malt and balanced, if slightly harsh, bitterness. Hops have a pleasantly woody character and help the beer stand out.