The brewing community was recently stirred with rumors and online conversations speculating the fate of the cherished Anchor Brewing from San Francisco, CA. This talk reached me, and I couldn’t help but smile at the thought, as Anchor Brewing had become such a distant memory in my beer landscape that I almost forgot about its existence. While acknowledging the brewery’s reputable beers and dedicated employees, it’s been a while since their presence was felt in Southern California. However, the news was eventually confirmed: Anchor Brewing, under the ownership of Sapporo, is discontinuing its operations.
Although I’ve never encountered a bad Anchor Beer, some of their newer releases might not have amazed me as much as their classics did. My beer journey in California since 1999 has been intertwined with Anchor Brewing, but their departure from my local scene around 2015 made them fade from my radar. It’s natural for a company like Anchor Brewing, overshadowed by the growing craft beer market, to eventually bow out.
I’m still grateful for the memories associated with their core beers, each evoking a unique recollection. Anchor Steam, with its toasty and flavorful profile, was a constant presence during my college years. Anchor Our Special Ale, or Anchor Christmas, marked the seasonal landscape of Los Angeles’ early craft beer scene. Anchor Old Fog Horn introduced me to the world of Barleywine Ale and vertical beer tasting. Anchor Liberty Ale and Anchor Porter held their own places of appreciation for their distinct qualities.
As Anchor Brewing evolved, attempting to keep up with trends and experiment with new styles, they faced challenges in maintaining their classic identity while embracing change. And while the brand might have faded in recent times, reflecting on its influence on my beer education and craft beer journey brings a sense of closure and appreciation for its role in the larger brewing narrative.
