Friday 18th of September 2009 10:09:06 PM

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I'd been interested in touring Anchor for years, ever since Fritz Maytag rekindled the brewery from its dilapidated condition in the 70s. Although I live only a hundred miles away, I finally took the opportunity to visit Anchor during a convention in downtown SF last year. Normally it takes a few days to weeks to book a tour reservation but it's not that difficult for singles to make the tour and fill out a group... and that's how I got in at the last minute. Not only is the tour extremely informative and the entire process is described in great detail, but the tasting of all current brews afterwards is one of the better highlights of microbreweries I've had. The employees are well-informed and very friendly, and no question went unanswered. There was no big rush to get the group out of the building either so it added to a very relaxing and enjoyable time. Anchor (and Maytag) has a phenomenal reputation amongst brewers and drinkers alike, and his welcome to visitors mirrors that reputation. A class act all the way.

Wednesday 27th of May 2009 02:35:33 AM

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The first time I went on the Anchor Brewing tour I was barely 21 and felt like I was in heaven. I didn't know anything about beer making when I started the tour but by the end I had a good idea of what goes into making a great beer. They were VERY thorough in their relaying of knowledge regarding the way Anchor was founded, kept alive, and continues to thrive.

I have been on the tour over ten times and each time is different because the people on the tour are different, they ask different questions, and every now and then the tour guide is different. And to think that this tour is free, it's just crazy good!

But yes, it books up very quickly so plan on making your reservation at least 20 to 30 days beforehand. Make your reservation, then plan the rest of your trip to San Francisco!

Wednesday 24th of September 2008 11:25:41 PM

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The tour for Anchor is about as good as you can get. You need to call ahead early as spaces are very limited. But this place proves there is something free that is worthwhile.

The location is a bit out of the way, we had to take a taxi out there- public transportation is highly recommended to come to this place (thanks to the tour).

The place is a brewery, distillery and winery, no restaurant however. On the tour you learn about their new wine and spirits lines however, no tasting of these are offered.

The tour however is fantastic, you get to see the whole process, including their distinctive "steam" process. Going into the hops room is wonderful. You also get to see their huge brass kettles which actually come through the floor they are so large.

The tour concludes with a hefty sample of all 6 beers they currently have on tap. Honestly not a huge fan of Anchor Steam in a bottle, but it great on tap. Also have a really nice porter. Liberty Ale, Summer Beer and Old Foghorn (barleywine) were all very drinkable. They also offered a "small beer" which is old style 3/2 beer- not impressive but who wants that anyway. They were out of bock unfortunately. The true treat would be to go in the winter to get a taste of their annually changing christmas offering.

Tuesday 2nd of September 2008 06:37:46 PM

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This was one of my places to stop on my personal brewery tour through San Fran. My wife was on a business trip and I tagged along for some fun and beer drinking. Took the tour and that was a blast and when Fritz Maytag stopped and talked he was awesome. Loved the location right on the bus line which was perfect for me. We got to try a new special brew they had just brewed a special for the anniversary of the place. We had so many samples it was good I was on a bus at the end. No food which I could have used made the rest of the trip tough. Anchor Steam you where awesome!!! A great tour but no food.

Tuesday 6th of May 2008 04:12:55 AM

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honestly, what can one say about anchor? pioneers? legends? gods?

call ahead to reserve your tour spot which takes 25 or so people each day at 2pm. 45 minute tour of the place followed by beer, lots of beer. reservations fill up, so plan well.

awesome, historical beer that just stays good and consistent, these people have got the quality down to a science. the tour provides some awesome history about SF as well as a lesson into the rebirth of craft brewing in the 70's and 80's. Before then, only outlaws brewed beer.