Author: jamesclay

Talking of steam beers yesterday I was reminded of a wonderful beer, Newquay Steam Beer.

Wondering if it was still available I did a Google search and alas found that it was no more.

Well ‘Newquay Steam Beer’ was a victim of its own success. It outsold the major beer seller in the southwest by miles. The competitor had to produce something better or lose out.

Their money men suggested that they should buy the rights to the name, the recipes and the artwork and sell it as their own. They were missing the secret ingredient and the flair to drive the brand forward and so after quite a short period of time ‘Steam Beer’ sank without a trace.

That’s a pity, if my memory serves me correctly it was a very nice beer.

This is my favourite American beer of all time, Anchor Steam Beer from San Francisco’s Anchor Brewing. Thoug I get mine from Tesco or Sainsbury!

If you thought American beer was just like Budweiser then you need to try Anchor Steam Beer.

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.

So why is it called Anchor Steam? Good question.

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 a trademark of Anchor Brewing.

It has to be one of my favourite beers of all time as well. A rich flavour and a wonderful taste.