California Breweries History: Anchor Brewing Company The Anchor Brewing Company was openened in San Francisco in 1896. Fritz Maytag bought the brewery in 1965 but it wasn't until some years later that he moved the brewery to its current location which is simple and elegant from the outside but is like like visiting a cathedral of beer on the inside. Anchor Brewing has played a significant role in San Francisco's rich history. Anchor's seven unique beers are all produced in one of the most traditional breweries in the world. Each brew is virtually handmade from an all-malt mash in the handcrafted copper brewhouse, a veritable museum of the simple, traditional breweries of old. Anchors brews include: Liberty Ale, Porter, Anchor Steam Beer, Old Foghorn Barleywine, Special Ale, Wheat Beer, and Small Beer.