Anchor Steam Beer

Anchor Steam Beer by Anchor Brewing Company 

Anchor Steam Beer by Anchor Brewing Company is the next beer in the six pack that I have for this review. Which is interesting because this style of beer I have never had before and I am eager to try it for the first time. Steam beer or California Common beer is very distinct in unique beer. The beer style was created during the gold rush. Brewers could not brew normal beer because of the hot temperature, which did not allow them create lagers they had become accustomed to. They began to improvise. Brewers needed to cool the lagers during fermentation and there was no access to ice, which did not allow for proper conditioning of the beer. To combat the lack of refrigeration brewers used a yeast strain that could ferment at a high temperature. What would happen during the fermentation process there would be carbon dioxide that would escape and create steam.   

View of the Steam Beer

Now onto the discuss about this beer. Anchor Steam has an amber tint to the beer and has a nice white foamy head to the beer. The aroma I picked up from this beer is a malty aroma that finishes with a fruity or floral smell. The alcohol by volume is 4.90% (ABV) and the IBU of 35 which is not to high on the bitterness scale. Time to dive into the taste of the beer and see what I can pull out from the beer. The taste that I picked up on was a malt forward during the tasting and then was smooth lager finish. I did pick up on a bitter taste in the beer which I think is not to overpowering. The body to this beer has a medium body and carbonation to the beer is just right. In terms of body, I am referring to the thickness of the beer and I think it is not to think and not to thin, so thats where I came up with medium.  All in all this beer is a refreshing twist on styles of beer and I am glad I got the chance to try this beer. 

Anchor Steam Beer a unique 100% American Style Beer

California Common Beer or Steam Beer is a beer style that I hope does not fall out of existence. Considering its the place it has in American Beer history. The Anchor Steam Beer is made by Anchor Brewing Company, which has been brewing since 1886. This brewery is located in San Francisco, California, when I go visit San Francisco I will make sure I add the brewery on to my list of places to visit. Sometimes it is a good idea to try different styles of beer, you never know what beer is out there. I think that steam beer is a unique and interesting style of beer. If you enjoy lager style beers or ale style beers, this might be a brew for you. It is very drinkable and does not leave you feeling bloated or like you have had too many. If you get the chance make sure you try Anchor Steam Beer by Anchor Brewing Company and enjoy the ride back into American Beer history.