What he created brings together some newer varieties of hops—Citra, Nelson Sauvin—as well as established varieties like Cascade and Apollo. The ale also uses an experimental variety called simply No. 431, which imparts flavors of fresh peach. Brewed with caramel malt, the beer has a lively amber color, and a creamy mouthfeel. It’s the fun kind of dangerously drinkable at 6.5% and paired extremely well with a cheeseburger topped with hatch peppers.
Maytag was a giant in the industry and the unquestioned face of the brewery he famously saved from extinction. The well documented story goes that he was living in San Francisco in the 1960s, regularly drank Anchor beer at his local watering hole, and when told that the brewery was going to close, stopped by for a visit, fell in love with the place, and purchased it. He brought it back from the brink and along with the brewery played a pivotal role in modern brewing history.
There were many who were concerned when the new owners came onboard, that the brewery might lose some of its mojo, but talking with Carpenter it is pretty clear that while the brewery relies and cherishes its past it’s in good hands for the future and has every intention of growing and creating new, flavorful beers.
John Holl is the editor of All About Beer Magazine. He may be reached at JohnHoll@AllAboutBeer.com or via Twitter @John_Holl.
