If you live in this world you’re feelin’ the change of the guard

When I moved to New York City when the craft beer revolution had made only a highly limited impact on the east coast, I still remember the excitement of finding a bodega that stocked not only Achor Steam, but Anchor Porter and (more dangerously) Old Foghorn. So I was sad to see this:

Pour one out for Anchor Brewing: America’s oldest craft brewer is shutting down after 127 years in business.

The San Francisco-based company announced Wednesday it’s ceasing operations and liquidating the beloved business “following a combination of challenging economic factors and declining sales since 2016,” a press release said. Craft brewers, in particular, have been struggling for a variety of reasons including changing consumer habits, rising costs and lingering supply-chain challenges.

Another problem has been Sapporo, the Japanese beer company that bought the brand in 2017. Employees complained to VinePair last month about Sapporo’s alleged mismanagement and lack of understanding of craft beer in the United States. In addition, a 2021 rebrand of Anchor was criticized for pivoting too far away from the brand’s classic look.

Increased competition in a shrinking market is a real thing (and I will admit that it’s been a long time since it’s occurred to me to purchased an Anchor product outside of San Francisco.) But most craft breweries cater mostly or exclusively to local markets, and it’s hard to imagine that the business wouldn’t still be viable without the terrible management of piss-lager behemoth Sapporo. Now I’m just hoping that Sapporo doesn’t do to Stone what it’s done to Anchor.