Anchor Steam Beer

Depending on your impressions of Oktoberfest, I can see equating Steam to the style. The fruity esters from higher fermentation and the (usual) hop character in Steam set it apart from a typical Bavarian Okto, but the Steam's malt character is reminiscent.

I've had a six or 2 since the new owners started brewing Anchor Steam and haven't found big changes from the past, but it's been almost a year since I last tried it -- so I could be way off base.

 

It's been years since I had an Anchor Steam, but it always seemed like just another adjunct lager to me but with just a tiny extra bit of flavor. I'll have to pick up some to revisit this beer to see if I'm missing something.

 

I drank one a week or two ago after a 3 year hiatus...didn’t like it 3 years ago, didn’t like it now...reminds me of rancid sweet apple juice, with a vegetable hoppy vibe...not my kind of lager. Cheers!

 

I bought and drank the last 6pack in town and it tasted as fine as I remember it. It has sizable flavours from both the hops and malt so I reckon that I wouldn't equate it to a Marzen. Shrugs.

 

I dont buy it anymore, but remember buying it as far back as 1982. Didnt remember hating it, but liked strohs signature much more.

 

Let me guess, you really weren't into beer when you first tried the Steam -- 'cause it's pretty far from anything adjunct... that is, in its original, Maytag incarnation. As mentioned, I don't know what the new brewers have been doing to it -- but they've only been at the mash tun a few years now.

 

As a San Franciscan, I think Anchor Steam is pretty underrated in today's beer world.

It's true that it's not my first choice at a beer bar (but definitely at dive bars which aren't craft). I had a pour at a beer fest last month and still enjoy it after all these years. It's clean, a little bit malty, and a dry bitterness that exemplifies the West Coast. Of course, it's possible ours tastes better because it couldn't be fresher...

 

It still maintains a 3.85 average and the latest page of reviews has many +4 ratings.

 

I've had 1 x 6 pack and on tap about 5 times in the past 6 months. This is still a very solid beer. It has more of a hop bite than your average super malty Okto.
Also, this is not a typical lager using a much higher fermenting temp and different yeast strain. I believe this yeast gives this a much different (more ale like) flavor profile and texture than your average lager.

https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/styles/132/

 

I use to drink this all the time (back when there were lot fewer craft options) and enjoyed, although I liked the Liberty Ale even better.

I bought a 6 pack a few weeks ago and was a little disappointed, seemed to lack the distinct aromatic freshness that I remembered and seemed a little sweeter.

Still, Anchor Steam along with Samuel Adams will always have a warm place in my heart for help getting the younger version of me into craft American beer.

 

The other thing I really like about this beer: you really don't have to think about it. Just drink it! It's enjoyable, and has nothing off putting. It's a great beer for sitting around and sharing with friends. Something we've kinda lost...

 

It used to be all over town but I let the $12 a 6pack scare me away. I could kick myself in the arse for letting that happen.

I wanted my $2...a Better Off Dead reference.

 

They're ale lager hybrids

 

I’m a regular drinker of Anchor Steam and haven’t noticed a shift in its flavor profile.

It is relatively malty, so I understand the Oktoberfest comparison.

But while you can’t beat Festbier with Schweinebraten, nothing goes better with Dungeness Crab & Garlic Fries than Anchor Steam!

 

I had my first Anchor Steam back before I knew there was such a thing as "craft beer". Here, in Florida, were these squat bottles from San Francisco with a neat looking label and flavor I had never had before.
Other beers have come and gone, but when I can't find anything interesting on the shelf Anchor Steam is the beer I always come back to.

 

Anchor Steam is delicious.

 

Shit, now I'm thinking about Dungeness Crab, fries, and Anchor Steam. Thanks a lot, @TrojanRB !
P

 

I didn’t even mention crusty sourdough bread.....it’s understood!

 

Yeah -- what's that old-timey sandwich joint with the great sourdough? They always had Steam on tap, didn't they?