Guest blogger Adam Shugan is an associate at our Archer Road store in Gainesville.

Have you ever tried to find another steam beer other than Anchor Brewing Company?  Well, search no further, because Anchor trademarked the term “steam beer”!  The San Francisco based brewery started this method in the 1800’s when owning a refrigerator was a luxury and not an appliance used by the common man.  The brewers came up with a special strain of lager yeast that could withstand and also ferment quicker in warmer temperatures.  This yielded a medium bodied, slightly malty brew that anybody can enjoy.  Any other brewery wishing to use this style must call it a “California Common.”  Anchor Steam Beer is a wonderful quaff with some citrus and piney hops in the nose and some caramel malts.  The taste gives way to soft citrus and pine hops with a hint of caramel and a biscuity malt quality.  A finely complex brew for the price.  Look out for Liberty Ale offered by Anchor as well.  There are other examples of the style, such as Steamworks Brewing Company’s “Steam Engine Lager,” Alpine Beer Company’s “California Uncommon,” and Russian River Brewing Company’s “Beer Esteam,” however at the moment, Anchor is the one holding down our shelves.

Adam Shugan, Gainesville