Is there a better way to kick off the new year with a new brew that makes a fierce impact on the environment? Probably not! Anchor Brewing Company is doing just that. They’re proud to release Baykeeper IPA, which is made in collaboration with a local non-profit. The San Francisco Baykeeper has been defending the Bay from pollution for 30 years; so, Anchor teamed up with them to create this bright and delicious IPA.

The San Francisco Baykeeper is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year! As a way of highlighting their accomplishments and their anniversary, Anchor is introducing the collaboration brew that is as fierce as Baykeeper’s commitment to preserving their local waters. With their expertise in law, science and advocacy, Baykeeper is the only nonprofit that relentlessly confronts polluters and stops harmful actions from occurring in the San Francisco Bay, one of the world’s most impressive waterways and one of California’s most important ecosystems.

“Anchor Brewing, like the Bay itself, is iconic to San Francisco,” says Sejal Choksi-Chugh, Executive Director of San Francisco Baykeeper. “They know that a healthy Bay is part of what makes the Bay Area special. The Baykeeper IPA is a meaningful pairing for anyone who loves San Francisco Bay and is looking to support a terrific local company.”

The Beer

Inspired by the feelings of being out on the water, Baykeeper IPA (7% ABV) is a crisp and refreshing brew. It overflows with juicy and fruit-forward hop layers and bursts with lime, orange zest and papaya aromatics. Baykeeper IPA has a slightly spicy, yet slightly sweet taste that finishes with a delicate bitterness. Mosaic, Cascade and Amarillo Cryo hops were used to amplify the fruity and piney hop aromatics in this slightly hazy brew. Anchor takes a balanced approach to the bitterness while ramping up the hop intensity in Baykeeper IPA, making it a tasty San Francisco-style IPA.

Because this brew is a celebration of the Bay, Anchor turned to its neighbor across the Bay for some of the malt used. Based in Alameda, Admiral Maltings contracts family farms in the Sacramento Valley, California to sustainably grow no-till or organic barley for its floor-malt. Floor malting is an ancient but vanishing art revered by brewers around the globe. For Baykeeper IPA, Anchor used Admiral Gallagher’s Best from the local maltster. This pale ale style of malt has a bright aroma of multigrain crackers and hay with a mildly sweet flavor of toast and honey. In addition, Anchor used 2-Row Pale, Acidulated Malt, Golden Naked Oats and Toasted Rice; combined to create an exceptional malt profile. The beer pours a deep golden color with a creamy, fluffy head.

California watercolor artist Jenna Rainey hand-painted the label on Baykeeper IPA. The label features Baykeeper’s patrol boat charging through the water underneath the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Since 1989, Baykeeper’s patrol boat has regularly monitored the San Francisco Bay, the treasure of the Bay Area, to identify and investigate pollution. From there, Baykeeper strategically uses advocacy, public education and legal action to secure smart solutions that stop pollution and restore water quality.

“The community we’re surrounded by here in San Francisco is very connected. We’re influenced by the spirit of innovation, environmental protection and advocacy all around us,” said Ungermann. “It’s an honor to team up with our neighbors in the Bay Area to brew up something special.”

The Official Release Event

Anchor and Baykeeper will host an official Baykeeper IPA Release Party on Thursday, January 17^th from 5-9PM at Anchor Public Taps, Anchor’s pilot brewery and bar located in Potrero Hill. The event will celebrate the release of this new brew, as well as Baykeeper’s 30^th anniversary as an organization. Attendees can meet the Anchor brewers and get involved at Baykeeper’s local advocacy booth. They can also geek out at Admiral Maltings’ education station. Additionally, there will be a silent auction, benefitting Baykeeper with exciting prizes. Guests can also enjoy a Baykeeper/Anchor partnership video reel onscreen, DJ from community radio station BFF.fm spinning tunes by Bay Area artists. Baykeeper IPA will also be flowing on tap all night with special pricing.

Where to Find the Beer

Baykeeper IPA is available now nationwide in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles. They are also on draught at select bars, restaurants and stores. You can also find it at Anchor Public Taps and the Anchor Brewing Taproom. The Anchor Beer Finder is another great tool to use to locate the beer. Keep in mind, Baykeeper IPA is a limited-time offering and part of Anchor’s local collaboration series. So, grab it while you can.

Featured image courtesy of Erin Conger/Anchor Brewing Co.

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