american beer

The first pint of beer I had in San Jose was a glass of San Francisco-brewed Anchor Steam Beer, which is a highly unusual, spicy lager/pale ale combo of real richness and taste. It's slightly less fizzy than a European lager, and a deep orange, coppery colour with a flat, creamy head. It's very malty and spicy, containing a strong hint of burnt caramel and biscuits, and has a strong, bitter aftertaste. Very crisp and extremely nice - my first job back in England is to hunt this down.

It perhaps helped that myself and Sam sat drinking it in the Californian sunshine.

Next up was a pint of Samuel Adams Boston Lager, which was similar in feel but lighter and less bitter, perhaps slightly more carbonated but retaining the rich hoppiness of the Anchor Steam. Rather sweeter and milder, and easier to drink, but much less individual.

Finally, last night I had a Sierra Nevada with my meal, but couldn't really place it or differentiate it from the drinks I had before - but will come back to it if I have another glass.

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