A Little Noise Has Been Heard In San Francisco!

I read a few articles last week regarding some movement at Anchor Brewing in San Francisco. It has been over two years (May of 2024) since Chobani founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya purchased the assets of Anchor in an effort to relaunch the 130 year old shuttered brewery.

The “noise” came in the way of two beer labels submitted for approval to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). The two submissions were for Anchor Steam Beer and Old Foghorn Ale. Both were approved on April 30th, but what makes it even better is that the “Pre 2021 Rebranding” labels were the ones submitted and approved.

There has been activity in and around the brewery as well. Mr. Ulukaya even posted a photo of himself to Instagram while in the taproom watching a World Cup game. These are all signs pointing to a hopeful relaunch in the works, and hopefully soon!

But the even more exciting news that we’ve heard firsthand (or secondhand depending on how you look at it, lol!) - An industry friend of ours from a brewery in the Bay Area has confirmed that Anchor Brewing has hired a consultant, Shaun O’Sullivan (formerly of 21st Amendment Brewing) to oversee things. Plus, workers from Barnum Mechanical have been seen at Anchor. These are the “go-to guys” when it comes to breweries, wineries, dairy processing, etc. So they’ve aligned themselves with some of the top help in the industry in their area of the country!

I’m excited about the prospect of getting back one of the country’s most beloved Legacy Craft Breweries, but I’m curious what their roll out will look like. For the beginning anyway. Will they have a nationwide release (I have some doubts on that one), will it be only in certain markets, or will it just be local for now? Time will tell.

Either way, I think we all could agree with the fact that we’re getting closer to having some delicious Anchor beers yet again to enjoy! I hope so, and soon please! I need a bottle of Old Foghorn stat!

More on this as the story develops further. And, possibly a Lager Room Show on the topic as well! Let us know your feelings regarding this Anchor Brewing relaunch!

Cheers! 🍻