The 50 States of Beer - California

California

Anchor Brewing - San Francisco, CA

Best Beer:

Anchor Steam is the first TRUE American Beer. Originally brewed in the 1896, it's called "Steam Beer" due to it being brewed with lager yeast at ale temperatures, during the gold rush when they didn't have the ability to brew at the temperatrure required for the popular lagers of the time. (or so the story goes).

The dry taste is a real unique character to the brew, and thanks to some handy trademarking in those early years, Anchor Brewing is the only official brewery that makes a "Steam Beer".

I had my first Anchor Steam at Old Chicago in Ames in 2006, and have drank several since. It's always a safe bet.

For more reading on Anchor Steam, go here.
And visit the official Anchor Brewing website, here.

Up next, Colorado