It most certainly
is a microbrew. The Anchor Brewery is quite small, actually. The brewing processes they use are also very traditional.
Liberty Ale is one of my absolute favorites. The pricey supermarket down the street has been getting my business lately because they have both Anchor Liberty Ale and Anchor Porter. I love 'em both as well. They are at $8.99 a 6-pack. Well worth it!
If you do ever make it to San Francisco (don't call it Frisco!), make sure to schedule a tour at the Anchor Brewery ahead of time. It's a great way to spend an afternoon. First, you get to tour the facilities and marvel at all the wonderful sights and smells. I found a few surprises, like the water they use is Hetch-Hetchy Gold (SF tap water, which is actually melted snow pack from the Sierras). Also, that Liberty Ale gets its sharp taste by "dry hopping" it. That is, they toss a bunch of hops into a steeping bag and put it into the fermenter. No wonder it's so hoppy!
More about Liberty Here:
Anchor Steam - Liberty Ale
Best thing? Heading to the Tasting Room after the tour where you can languish for
a couple of hours trying all the various beers, ales and even a Barley Wine.
Yes, this means FREE DRINKING.
:
Anchor Steam - Brewery Tour Information
Anchor was going under a number of years ago when Fritz Mayeforum.xxx (son of the appliance empire magnate) rescued the company.
LA is cool and all, but I really miss my home town talking about this great brew.
Anchor's Liberty Ale