Anchor Steam Beer

Made in San Fran since 1896, this beer is a bit of a classic.

It also "is virtually handmade" according to the bottle. Not sure if a computer makes it by hand, or if they're treading a line here with mechanisation, or if it's a copout. The label also informs me that no-one knows what a steam beer is.. kind of arrogant. And then it says Anchor is "one of the smallest and most traditional breweries in the world". Seriously? I think plenty of breweries would argue with both of those points.. not a fan of the hyperbole.

Regardless, slightly darker pour than expected maybe, flat, pilslike nose but with something more there too.. a bit more body in line with (defining?) the California Common style. First impression actually involves a bit of nutty character both on aroma and taste. Aroma not great overall, but flavour profile actually rather good for a session beer. It has taste, and a light watery body that makes you want to scull it. All good says I, and I put it away forthwith.

So - writing a lot of fucking cheques there Anchor. Good thing for you that the beer cashes at least some of them. 7.5

Mountain Goat Steam Ale

Time to revisit an old classic.

In all honesty I wasn't sure how this would fare.. been drinking some good solid beers since first encountering this one early in my craft career. Pleasingly however it holds up quite well indeed for what it is, with a nice snowy head and light body, pleasant wheat malt nose, and fizzy .

At this point on first encounter you're likely expecting (fearing) lager town. But it moves above that with a nice english malt and barley tea like character, rounded flavours.

Not world changing but a fine entry beer into craft, and a perennially drinkable light session beer in the style. 7.5