127-Year-Old Beer Industry Veteran Succumbs to Biden’s Economy, Forced to Close

Anchor Brewing Co. to Shut Down After 127 Years

In a heartbreaking turn of events, San Francisco’s beloved Anchor Brewing Co. has announced its closure and liquidation. The iconic brewery, which has been a trailblazer in the U.S. beer industry, cited tough economic conditions as the primary reason for its decline.

Anchor Brewing Co. has a rich history of defying the norm. Back when most Americans were loyal to major breweries, Anchor was brewing craft beers that captured the hearts of beer enthusiasts. It was on the brink of insolvency in the 1960s until it was acquired by Fritz Maytag, a Stanford graduate who revolutionized the brewing practices.

Under Maytag’s leadership, Anchor Brewing Co. introduced innovative techniques like dry hopping and began bottling their beer in 1971. By the mid-1970s, they had established a remarkable portfolio of respected brews, including Anchor Porter, Liberty Ale, Old Foghorn Barleywine Ale, and the highly sought-after Christmas Ale.

In 2017, Anchor Brewing Co. was acquired by Japan’s Sapporo, marking a new chapter in its storied history.

However, the past few years have been challenging for beer makers. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, concerns about inflation, and the growing popularity of spirits have all contributed to declining beer sales. According to the Brewers Association, overall beer sales volume in the U.S. dropped by 3.1 percent last year, while craft brewer sales volume saw a marginal increase of 0.1 percent.

“No Option But to Cease Operations”

“We recognize the importance and historic significance of Anchor to San Francisco and to the craft brewing industry, but the impacts of the pandemic, inflation, especially in San Francisco, and a highly competitive market left the company with no option but to make this sad decision to cease operations,” said representative Sam Singer in a written statement.

Despite their efforts to find a buyer for the brewery and its brands, Anchor Brewing Co. was unable to secure a deal. However, there is still a glimmer of hope that a buyer may emerge during the liquidation process.

As part of cost-cutting measures, Anchor recently announced that it would limit sales of its beers to California and reduce production of its popular Anchor Christmas Ale. The company has ceased brewing but will continue packaging and distributing its remaining inventory until the end of the month.

While this news is undoubtedly devastating, Anchor Public Taps will remain open temporarily to sell the remaining inventory, including a small volume of the highly anticipated 2023 Anchor Christmas Ale.

Anchor Brewing Co. will provide its employees with a 60-day notice and offer transition support and separation packages.

Founded in 1896, Anchor Brewing Co. has left an indelible mark on San Francisco and the craft brewing industry.

The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.

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