Anchor Releases Saaremaa Island Ale

06 Aug 2014 --- Anchor Brewing Company announces the release of the sixth brew in their Zymaster series, Saaremaa Island Ale.

Beer is a journey. Wine is defined by time – on the vine and in the bottle – and place, known as terroir.  But beer, thanks to the miracles of modern science, can now be made virtually anywhere in any style, transporting the beer-lover to whatever time, place, and flavors he or she desires.

Anchor Brewing Company’s Zymaster No. 6: Saaremaa Island Ale is inspired by Anchor Brewmaster Mark Carpenter’s journey to this Estonian island in the Baltic Sea.  Inhabited for over 8,000 years, Saaremaa has been occupied by Germany, Denmark, Sweden, czarist Russia, and the Soviet Union.  Its culture is a rich and fascinating melting pot.  Yet few outside of Estonia have ever experienced its uniquely native beers.  Mark enjoyed them so much that he not only brought back his memories of Saaremaa but some brewer’s yeast, as well.  Inspired by Mark’s Estonian beer journey, Anchor’s Zymaster No. 6 takes you on a journey to Saaremaa by way of San Francisco.

“My wife and I were traveling through the Saaremaa Island countryside and we stopped at a bar,” said Anchor Brewmaster Mark Carpenter.  “I asked for a local draught beer and the unfiltered brew I was served was completely unique.  It was the native yeast that intrigued me and ultimately become the inspiration for Zymaster No. 6.  After returning to San Francisco, the Estonian yeast was isolated and cultured becoming the cornerstone of our pale ale which is complimented by the medium bitterness from Northern Brewer, a favorite hop here at Anchor.  The result is a one-of-a-kind brew that transports me back to that countryside bar.  We hope you’ll enjoy this beer journey, as well.”

Zymaster No. 6 (6% ABV) is a medium-bitter pale ale with Old World hop flavor and aroma. Made with pale barley malt, it has a light body and clean finish. But what makes Saaremaa Island Ale exceptional is the native yeast that Brewmaster Mark Carpenter clandestinely brought back from his Estonian beer journey. It took months for Anchor to isolate and culture this special strain, so essential to the unique character of Saaremaa Island’s indigenous beers. Anchor’s trial brews confirmed that this yeast, reminiscent of some Belgian varieties, contributes a richly complex piquancy to this deliciously distinctive ale with overtones of freshly ground clove and allspice.