Tasting at Whole Foods

We had a nice twist of fate today as we were asked to work the Anchor booth at the Whole Foods' Oktoberfest event on Aloma.  I have been a fan of Anchor Brewing for years and am in awe of the longtime story of how the brewery went from near bankruptcy to one of the most respected breweries in the country. The man who took Anchor from nothing to legend was Mr. Fritz Maytag, whose family name includes the washers and dryers, the famed blue cheese, and one of my favorite whiskeys, Old Potrero.  

I visited the brewery in 2008 and was equally in awe of the tasting room and the gorgeous fermentation tanks used to make the brewery's "steam" beer. 

The tasting room at Anchor

Rosie in the brewery

The brewery tour was an insight into what you do not normally get to see, as the brewery itself is so beautiful that you do not get to see the working side until you get downstairs to visit the tanks.  In this, you feel as much in a museum as you do in a brewery.  In addition, they positioned the offices around the tanks so that you can always look out of your office window and see the process taking place.  A beautiful and ingenious combination of function and passion.  This will forever remain one of my most memorable brewery visits. 

As for the beer - Anchor has stuck to what they know best and has not chased the latest fads.  Their portfolio consists of the ubiquitous "Steam" beer, Porter, Liberty, Summer Beer, Old Foghorn Barleywine, and the oft-collected Christmas Ale.  They also have released a variety of beers as homage to classic brewing traditions, including the new Humming Beer, Bock Beer, and Brekle's Brown.  I had the pleasure of serving the Humming and Steam beer at this Whole Foods Event.

I was happy to see my buddy Tom Moench from Orange Blossom in attendance as well as reps from Harpoon and Eel River.  We were set up to serve and sample beer while Whole Foods provided the food and music to complement the Oktoberfest spirit.  I served not only Anchor, but Boulder Brewing's Hazed and Infused and Mojo IPA, so I was set for drinks.  

Setting up

As i had stated, I had the honor of serving the Anchor Humming Beer for the first time and was very excited to get the chance to do so.  The brewery's definition of the beer is:

"HUMMING is an ancient term, used centuries ago to describe both ales and beers.  Although its origins are shrouded in mystery, it suits this bold hoppy ale, which we have created to celebrate the anniversary of our first brew at 1705 Mariposa Street.  Fro mthat very day we were humming!  In 1965, we deidcated ourselves to reviving the nearly bankrupt, almost medieval little San Francisco brewery on 8th Street.  By 1977, Anchor's small staff was making five beers in its state-of-the-art facility.  We purchased an old coffee-roasting plant on Mariposa, overseeing its gradual transformation into our "new" brewery.  Finally, on August 13, 1979 our move was complete, we fired up the brewkettle, and Anchor Steam had a new home - its sixth since 1896."

 In addition, for those of you who are not familiar with the Anchor Steam Beer, here is the description from the brewery:

"San Francisco's famous Anchor Steam, the classic of American brewing tradition since 1896, is virtually handmade, with an exceptional respect for the ancient art of brewing.  The deep amber color, thick creamy head, and rich flavor all testify to our traditional brewing methods.  Anchor Steam is unique, for our brewing process has evolved over many decades and is like no other in the world.


Anchor Steam 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 brewing methods of those days are a mystery and, although there are many theories, no one can say with certainty why the word "steam" came to be associated with beer.  For many decades Anchor alone has used this quaint name for its unique beer.  In modern times, "Steam" has become the trademark of Anchor Brewing."


As always, I find myself to be very lucky to be in the place that I am in and to be able to work with such great people.  Thanks to the people at Whole Foods, thanks to Anchor Brewing and Mina, and a special thanks to Jeff Brown for continuing to trust us with his legendary Boulder Beer here in the state of Florida.  Cheers!