California, United States
Anchor Brewing
San Francisco brewery whose rescue in 1965 is generally taken as the starting point of American craft brewing, and whose Steam Beer defined California Common.
No longer brewing. BeerHQ keeps closed breweries because historical importance does not end when a company does. Anything said here about current products or availability should be treated as needing verification.
Fritz Maytag bought a failing Anchor in 1965 and rebuilt it around traditional methods at a time when American brewing was consolidating around light adjunct lager. The brewery closed in 2023 after several ownership changes, though the brand has since seen attempts at revival.
Why it matters
The origin point of the American craft movement, and the sole steward of the California Common style.
Details
| Founded | 1896 |
|---|---|
| Where | California, United States |
| Status | Closed |
| Ownership | Closed in 2023 under Sapporo ownership after 127 years. BeerHQ keeps the record because the brewery’s historical role does not depend on it still operating. Recorded 2026-08-16; ownership changes without announcement. |
Reference beers
- Anchor Liberty Ale
A 1975 San Francisco ale that was dry-hopped with Cascade before American craft brewing existed as a category, and which ceased production when Anchor closed in 2023.
- Anchor Porter
The 1972 beer that brought porter back, at a point when the style had effectively stopped existing anywhere.
- Anchor Steam Beer
The beer that was California Common — lager yeast fermented warm in shallow open vessels — and effectively the only example of the style.
BeerHQ carries only the products that anchor something. This is not the brewery’s full range.
Styles it is associated with
- California Common — Lager yeast fermented warm in the Californian manner, producing a clean amber beer with woody, minty hop character.
- American barley wine — A strong malt-dense ale with assertive American hop bitterness and citrus-pine aroma alongside the caramel depth.
- English porter — The original dark British beer: chocolate and light coffee over a nutty malt base, restrained rather than aggressive.
Traditions
- American craft brewing — The post-1980 American movement built on intense hop character, reinterpretation of European styles, and rapid categorical change.
Other breweries in United States
Allagash Brewing Company · Anheuser-Busch · Athletic Brewing Company · Bell's Brewery · Brooklyn Brewery · D. G. Yuengling & Son · Deschutes Brewery · Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Last reviewed 2026-08-16.