Anchor Steam Beer is the signature product of Anchor Brewing Company in San Francisco, a brewery with roots reaching back to 1871. This beer takes its name from 'steam beer' – a 19th-century term for beers brewed on the American West Coast using lager yeast at ale temperatures, without refrigeration.

The brewers employ a straightforward yet refined grain bill: pale and caramel malts paired with Northern Brewer hops. Fermentation follows a classical method using kräusening – the addition of actively fermenting beer for natural carbonation. The result is well-balanced: the rich, sweet maltiness of the caramel malt is tempered by a noticeable hop bitterness and a sharpness that never overwhelms.

Anchor Steam is approachable yet characterful, with a medium colour and fine carbonation. In 1981, Anchor received the federal trademark on 'steam beer' – recognition of their role in preserving this distinctive American brewing tradition.