Few beers in America carry as much history in the glass as Anchor Steam. It is the beer that defined a style, kept a forgotten San Francisco brewing tradition alive through decades when nobody else cared, and still tastes like nothing else on the shelf. Lager yeast fermented warm, Northern Brewer hops, and a process the brewery spent generations perfecting add up to a beer that sits in its own category.

The basics

• Brewery: Anchor Brewing Company (San Francisco, CA)
• Style: California Common / Steam Beer
• ABV: 4.9%
• IBU: 33

What to expect

Anchor Steam pours a deep amber with a thick, creamy off-white head that sticks around. The aroma is rustic and herbal, with woody, minty Northern Brewer hop character over toasted malt, a touch of caramel, and a hint of biscuit. On the palate it stays balanced: bready malt and light caramel sweetness up front, a firm herbal bitterness through the middle, and a dry, crisp finish with a lingering grainy note. The warm lager fermentation adds just a whisper of fruitiness, enough to keep it interesting without ever tasting like an ale.

The body is medium and lively, with carbonation that keeps it refreshing. It is a beer built for a second pour, the kind of thing that pairs with a burger or a long evening without demanding your full attention.

Our rating

7.9/10

Rated by Nick (7.9). Nick puts this one at a strong 7.9, and the score fits a beer that is more respected than it is flashy. It will not blow you away with hops or roast, but it is a genuine original, brewed the hard way for over a century, and it remains one of the most drinkable history lessons in American beer.