Anchor Brewing ceases operations and what follows the next few days is a plethora of stories about how, when and where you were when you had your first experience. I took a long think, and came up with a complete change in my first craft experience history. 1987 back home from college a manager at the restaurant I worked at was back from a trip to his hometown San Francisco. He was so excited to share his hometown beer. Anchor Steam, a beautiful campfire and stories of the beer took over. We drank this delicious beer. He told me all about the steam process at the brewery and how Anchor Steam was just the best. I agreed and never knew how this moment/tasting would affect the rest of my life. Fast forward a few years. Married and my wife had a conference in San Francisco. I was able to tag along and took the opportunity to go see some breweries in the area as the passion was growing more and more. That story includes San Francisco Brewing, Magnolia Brewing and 21st Amendment Brewing and meeting Shaun O’Sullivan.
2003, at the top of the hill after a short walk from the bus stop had already seen two breweries and taken the famed cable car, the Bart and now bus, I went in and made it in time for a tour. Saw, tasted and most of all had a great time seeing this brewery that one day would be the cornerstone of why I loved this industry so much and still do. The quintessential Steam beer for me at the end of the tour. The man pouring was cordial and had this iconic deep voice. I only got the needed clues, vowels and a picture on the wall helped after he left, crap that was Fritz Maytag. Our tour guide told us by the way that was Fritz as I simultaneously figured it. I was so mad at myself I did not have Nikon Cool pix ready. From that day forward and until this day the love of “Craft Beer” and the industry has been a fun ride. Liberty Ale, Anchor Porter and of course Anchor Steam, the cool ships, the old brewery along with the chance meeting of Fritz will always be such a memory. Now that they have announced the closing, I will tip my hat and always remember the day.
Thank you Anchor Brewing, may forever your legacy live…
