"Anchor Steam brand beer derives its unusual name from the 19th century when "steam" seems to have been a nickname for beer brewed on the West Coast of America under primitive conditions and without ice. The word "Steam" may have referred to the pressure of natural carbonation developing in the beers. Today the brewing methods of those days are a mystery, and for many decades Anchor alone has used the quaint name "steam" for its unique beer."
My wife needed a particular shaped bottle for table decorations and the only bottle that had the shape she wanted came from Anchor. When I brought the six-pack home, I was expected to consume one quickly so she could use the bottle for an upcoming dinner party. Since then, I've had another 2 or 3 of this goodness and am finally getting around to reviewing it.
Contents were emptied into a pilsner glass. It has nice amber color with dark orange highlights. Two fingers of a light tan colored head. Light retention, leaving a decent amount of lacing on the glass along with a thin cap of head. Aromas of biscuit, caramel, and other sweet malts.
When I first tasted this beer, it reminded me of a cross between an amber lager and an ESB. There's a lot of different things going on. There's the familiar taste of caramel malts, but it also has a metallic component to it to go with a sour component. Imagine an amber lager mixed with sea salt. It has a slight bitter finish that'll linger for a bit. Lightly carbonated and light bodied, it has a sessionable feel to it, providing that the different components doesn't lead to palate overload.
Surprisingly complex for something labeled as a "California Common", its uniqueness is something that I can definitely appreciate. I'd be very interested in trying other representations of the style. I'd definitely buy and enjoy again.
Grade: B+
Price Paid: $1.66 (12 oz bottle)
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