Skip to the beginning of the images gallery

Anchor Porter

What is RateBeer?

X Ratebeer is a community website where craft beer enthusiasts can leave beer ratings. Each beer has a score out of 100.

Rating:

86% of 100

97 Reviews

Style

Porter

Country

America

Brewery

Anchor Brewing Co.

ABV

5.6%

Bottle Size

355ml

Serving Temp

7 to 9°C

5.6%

355ml

Details
Brewery Info
Reviews

Details

Anchor Brewing has played a significant role in San Francisco's history and their unique beers are all produced in one of the most traditional and handsome breweries in the USA - each brew made from an all-malt mash in their handcrafted copper brew house.

Made in San Francisco since 1974, the Anchor Porter is the quintessential American porter. This handmade porter is expertly crafted using the finest malted barley, fresh whole hops, and a first-rate respect for the brewing tradition.

Wonderfully boozy aromas and flavours of chocolate, dried berries, and coffee are contrasted nicely by a dry, smoky finish and a pleasant bitterness. There is so much taste that comes out of the beer yet it still finds itself very smooth and balanced.

Brewery Info

Forerunners of America’s craft beer revolution in the 1970’s and 80’s, Anchor is America’s first and oldest craft brewery, with roots dating back to the California gold rush. Entwined with the history of San Francisco, they produce their beer in a traditional copper brewhouse, where ancient techniques are combined with state of the art technology.

Combining all-malt mash and whole-cone hops, Anchor beer ferments in the cool San Francisco air - giving off the steam that gave us the name Anchor Steam Beer. Their Liberty Ale was the original brew that started off the craft beer revolution - not a bad claim to fame!

Reviews

Write Your Own Review

Only registered users can write reviews. Please Sign in or create an account

Good

80%

Review by Sean 03/08/2019

Not sure it's quite as good as ratings but it's a well made, sweet and chocolatey porter. Worth a go.

Classy

80%

Review by lorenzo 11/02/2019

If you like 'em dark and bitter sweet this gals a keeper could be a little thicker but goes down like a treat.

Bonfire night

80%

Review by Chris 19/08/2018

Got a lovely burned flavour if that’s your bag bun not harsh or overpowering like some smoked beers.

Black Treacle-Toffee

80%

Review by JK 05/05/2018

Was hooked after my first sip of this beer OUT OF A BAR FRIDGE in Leeds. It immediately reminded me of the black treacle-toffee my Mum used to make in liquid form; I can't think of a more accurate description than this!

Very strong taste, similar to hobbgoblin ale.

60%

Review by Andrew 31/03/2018

Nice beer: it is very strong and reminds me of hobbgoblin ale.

Come To The Dark Side

100%

Review by James 26/03/2018

Before picking up the bottle, I tended to avoid darker beers like stouts and porters. When I poured the final drop of this beautiful black porter, I was a convert. I can’t praise this beer enough for opening my eyes to the dark side. Full of chocolatey, liquorice, coffee flavours, it goes down as smooth as silk.

Complex well balanced porter

100%

Review by BeerMatt 17/03/2018

This gets better and better as you drink it. A great interpretation of porter.

Fond memories

80%

Review by barry 05/03/2018

Rich and full porter that I really like.

No Nonsense Porter

60%

Review by Scott 27/02/2018

Bit more gassy/lively than a typical porter. Treacle like flavour with hints of chocolate too. It is a little thinner than some but nice and smooth.

lovely

80%

Review by Marc 16/02/2018

pours jet black with a thick creamy head. aroma of roasted coffee and milk. tastes is pretty much the same as the aroma. a nice all round drink.

Yes, but...

60%

Review by Edward 23/01/2018

A decent American-revival porter that sadly lacks either the sheer drinkability of an Anglo-Irish classic recipe or the curiosity value of whatever the latest flavour trend is...

Fine porter

60%

Review by Simon 18/01/2018

Given the ABV, this is a decent brew, definitely quaffable.

Smoky, earthy and fine

60%

Review by Elmar 17/01/2018

A very savoury beer and fine partner for meaty winter stews, roasts or sausage and mash. Lovely smoky flavours, conjuring a wooden galleon's caulked interior and old rope, through a cloud of cigar smoke and brandy vapours. Great depth of character and a pleasure to discover, like an aged bottle washed ashore. A real gem, well worth a try.

Reunion

100%

Review by Llamaman 14/01/2018

Not had one of these in ages - one sip made me realise how foolish I'd been.
This is an excellent venerable porter. Many have followed, few have surpassed.

Not the best.....

60%

Review by richard 02/01/2018

........but still good. There are better Porters out there but again, Anchor come up with one that's very acceptable and an access point for the early adopters.

My first dark one

100%

Review by Dan 28/12/2017

This was the porter that started me on porters and milk stouts. Smooth and rich. Full of taste

Anchors aweigh!

80%

Review by Steve 28/12/2017

Cracking little bottle of porter. Recommended!

great porter

80%

Review by Christopher 26/12/2017

One of my favourite porters

Perfect Porter

100%

Review by Dave 15/12/2017

Dark..
Rich..
Delicious..

Nothing more, nothing less..

Absolutely loved it

100%

Review by richardcbristol 11/12/2017

I'm a fan of a good porter. This certainly was. Lovely and dark. Chocolate head. Can smell chocolate malt and on the palate I got more chocolate and a light hint of coffee. Mouth coated with beery portery goodness and very very satisfying. I've had some porters that just overdo the chocolate / coffee and maybe some really go for that. But for me this hit the spot.

Tasty

60%

Review by Alex 05/12/2017

Bitter and creamy at the same time. Drinkable but not my favourite type of beer, good for a winters night!

Anchor Porter

60%

Review by Colin 04/12/2017

It's not bad bad, It's alright, but lacks that punch in the face I have come to know and expect from other porter beers. Yeah you get that quintessential coffee/chocolatey taste that's the backbone of many a porter but to me, it's lacking. I want my porter to be a bit more on the heavy and strong side.

Rich Porter

80%

Review by Dudes Brews 04/12/2017

Big treacly flavours with a hint of licquorice and big sweet chocolate and coffee notes. It’s very rich and sweet, bordering on too much for my taste but the flavour is satisfyingly chewy so keeps it from overwhelming the palette. Definitely an American take on the style but a tasty beer is the result

Anchor porter

80%

Review by Simon 18/11/2017

Nice. Taste of coffee and chocolate. Not too strong.

Easily drinkable

80%

Review by PaulN 14/11/2017

When I ordered my box of beers, the Anchor Porter was one of the most anticipated ones. I love the shorter, stubbier bottle shape and label design and am partial to a darker beer. It certainly was easily drinkable, smooth but without being too heavy, lovely malty flavour with a touch of sweetness.

Smooth

80%

Review by Michael 02/09/2017

Smooth. Slightly sweet. Perfect way to end a week

Very decent porter

80%

Review by Stephen 30/08/2017

This one surprised me how much I liked the taste, there is a nice combination of tastes and a lot to recomend

Smooth and tasty

80%

Review by James 28/07/2017

Goes down well, beautiful taste and very drinkable. Sweet and lots of flavours.

Lovely porter

80%

Review by Jo 27/06/2017

Dark brown colour, sweet dark fruits, treacle, malty and coffee aroma, medium to thick mouthfeel, sweet, malty, fruity and chocolate flavour, slightly sweet, malty and bitter aftertaste.

Smoooooth

80%

Review by Dominik 15/06/2017

Smooth, dark and rich. High drinkability.

Great porter

100%

Review by Gerry 18/05/2017

A smooth, rich, chocolatey porter. Incredibly easy to drink. Superb.

Chocolate cake

100%

Review by baz_the_barn 15/05/2017

loved this porter, quite sweet but with a lovely bitter finish, have read that this goes down very well with chocolate cake

Cracking porter

100%

Review by Gerry 14/05/2017

Coffee and chocolate flavours, along with a dark, bitter, berry flavour in the middle. Aromas of toffee and coffee. Very rich, yet I could drink a few.

Bosting

100%

Review by Mart 10/05/2017

Pours black, beige head, lacing. Aroma of chocolat, sweet, sugary, roasted malts, licorice, touch of dark fruits. Taste is well balanced with sweetness and roasted malts, medium bitterness, dark chocolatate, licorice, some carameland dark fruits. Medium body, average carbonation, bitter finish.

An old favourite

100%

Review by Ian 12/04/2017

An old favourite which never disappoints. Rich, dark and full of complex flavours.

Anchor porter

80%

Review by Garygph 05/04/2017

Dark black in colour with thick creamy head. Nice flavours

Malt+sweet

60%

Review by Tworopes 30/03/2017

Roasted malt and sweetness on the taste, robust flavour with mild bitterness

Nice smooth porter

80%

Review by JP 25/03/2017

Very smooth and a nice range of flavours without the strong bitterness you can get with some porters (As someone who generally drinks quite dark/bitter beers). I enjoyed it and I would say it was very easy to drink.

My favourite porter

100%

Review by Beebo 23/03/2017

A lovely lovely beer. A roasty coffee, aroma with a hint of leather. Appearance is, black and frothy - full head. Taste is chocolatey and sweet but followed by a coffee type bitter aftertaste. Beautiful balance. Creamy, full body, soft carbonation

Favourite porter

100%

Review by RJHowlett 15/03/2017

From a non-dark beer drinker, this is definitely my favourite porter so far. Easy to drink, while still having the depth you come to expect.

Good porter

80%

Review by Chris 08/03/2017

Whilst a very good porter I don't think it is anything overly special. I enjoyed it and would certainly have again but there was no wow factor as others would suggest. Rather light version.

Amazing!

100%

Review by Paul 01/03/2017

This is a great introduction to Porters - really nice!

Delicious!

100%

Review by Franz 16/02/2017

Just the roasted smell transports me back to a lovely boozer in York where I first tried it. Complex and rich, it's a smooth treat in a glass.

Classic

100%

Review by MH 10/02/2017

Colour: black Foam: huge, frothy w/ brownish head Smell: Roasted and sweet malts, dark/rye bread, soy sauce, liquorice, dark chocolate, nuts, even some floral and caramel notes. Taste: rather sweet, rye bread, roasted malts, chocolate, and liquorice. Nice, soft carbonation. Really balanced beer, slightly bitter towards the end. Quality brew.

Good stuff.

80%

Review by Klaud 31/01/2017

Like a smooth flowing treacle with a nice light malty and bitter after taste. Lovely

Yummy!

100%

Review by Paul 13/01/2017

A really rich and complex beer which has lots of depth with a bitter after taste - will definitely be ordering some more

Bland

60%

Review by dmukgr 09/01/2017

Maybe I just wasn't in the right frame of mind, but I fail to see how what I had is what is being reviewed elsewhere here - there was no depth and it was lacking any lingering satisfaction.

Absolute favourite

100%

Review by MH 05/01/2017

Pours black with garnet highlights and thick creamy tan head that lingers. Amazing aroma of prunes, dates, brown sugar and caramel. Beautiful flavours of caramel and other dark sugars with a slight roasty note which is not distracting at all but rather gives the beer a dark chocolate note. Medium to high body, medium carbonation. Slightly higher on the IBUs than most porters, however, it helps balance out the big flavours. Overall this has to be the best porter i have had!

Complex porter

60%

Review by Hoppy 20/12/2016

I sometimes find porters a bit dull, especially compared to imperial stouts, but there is a bit of complexity to this taste though slightly too liquericey for me

Pret et Porter: Ready to Porter.

100%

Review by Steve 08/12/2016

Porter season is the best season, and this Anchor version is terrific. Rich, semi-creamy with multi-dimensional malt terrorising the taste buds. Every mouthful to be savoured. Should be taken with a hob nob.

classic porter

100%

Review by MH 05/12/2016

Almost black pour with coffee creamy beige head. Instant aromas of roasted malt, dark chocolate and coffee. Taste is the same together with some fresh fruit notes hiding behind this semi creamy and therefore freshly carbonated mouthfeel and roast malt body. Great porter

nice drop

80%

Review by dot 05/12/2016

good solid porter, chocolate, coffee aroma and tastes, nice evening beer

Great porter

80%

Review by Jo 03/11/2016

Almost black in colour, very still, no head whatsoever, sweet dark fruits, treacle, malty, coffee aroma, medium thick mouthfeel with some carbonation, sweet, malty, fruity and chocolate flavour, slightly sweet, malty, bitter aftertaste, lovely.

Easy drinking porter

80%

Review by Paul 13/10/2016

Thick and oily, chocolate, not big ABV but still has character. Goes nice with a roasting joint

Porter packs a punch

60%

Review by Birky 13/10/2016

Porter that's not too smokey. Coffee taste but pleasant. Hint of liquorice.

Tasty porter

60%

Review by Birky 10/10/2016

Porter that's not too smokey. Coffee taste but pleasant. Hint of liquorice.

Lovely

100%

Review by Johnny 26/09/2016

Quite excellent. Can’t believe I’ve been overlooking this one. It very well might become a regular in my refrigerator. Very dark, near black with low carbonation and slight sweet taste. ABV perfect to allow a sit back and relax...gimma another brew day. I’m impressed.

Sweet porter

80%

Review by Stew S 18/09/2016

Not normally a fan of porters but the usual bitter chocolaty taste not evident here. A nice smooth sweet taste full of caramel & liquorice overtones

Just what a Porter should be

100%

Review by Ninja Terrier 13/09/2016

Being a fan of Anchor and Porters this was a must try brew for me. The brew lived up to all my expectations with an abundance of Chocolate and coffee without being to bitter. An excellent Porter well worthy of the Anchor name.

Excellent

100%

Review by Llamaman 10/09/2016

World-class porter. Oodles of malt and chocolate, with a bitter finish.

Nice

80%

Review by Vauban 13/08/2016

Good example of a US porter - a good winter drink.

As expected

100%

Review by nobby 12/08/2016

Pours black with a decent coffee coloured head.Chocolaty caramel aroma leads into a taste of burnt toast and raw bitter coffee.Medium sweetness with a touch of cream far in the background.There is a lingering bitter coffee in the finish.No real hop presence.A good one

Nice smooth porter

100%

Review by Sam 28/06/2016

At first smell and taste I thought this would be one not to purchase again, I found it a little bitter for my liking of a porter, but lovely complex flavours predominantly of chocolate, coffee and brown sugar started to emerge and the bitterness subdued. A slight treacle taste follows. A really excellent porter with just the right mouthfeel and perfectly smooth. Highly recommended.

Easy Drinking

80%

Review by Chris 20/06/2016

Very good easy drinking porter, not to heavy but with plenty of flavour

As good a commercial US porter as you'll get

80%

Review by Scott 10/06/2016

Good flavour and texture, one of the favourite US porters.

Genuinely fantastic

100%

Review by JDW38 15/05/2016

I first received this in the mixed dark beer box and it was a standout favourite that I knew I'd be reordering. The second helping didn't disappoint with the balanced sweetness and almost chocolate milk finish highlights for me. I can't recommend this highly enough to any lover of smooth, rich porters.

Solid, traditional porter

80%

Review by Kiwi Duncan 11/05/2016

Thnis is worth a shout if you like porters - not overly rich but still some sweetness and chocolate on the finish. Easy drinking and not too crazy ABV so it makes it a decent session porter, but has that 'extra something' over basic supermarket porters.

not overly impressed

60%

Review by Changefromaten 17/04/2016

This is not a bad Porter but lacks any usp to differentiate it from a decent porter you could get from the offy.

One of the best

100%

Review by Mittyrod 30/03/2016

Just a really decent porter. Excellent flavour that doesn't disappoint.

Lovely drop of stuff

80%

Review by S Stanbridge 28/03/2016

Not normally a big fan of most porters but really enjoyed this one. Bags of flavour. Smells fantastic. Very drinkable.

A Triumph

100%

Review by Kent Hatter 15/02/2016

This is smooth, dark and packed with flavour and should be ideally drunk whilst enjoying a Sunday roast! Beautiful smokey finish and a king amongst Porters!

Superb

100%

Review by Len from Leyton 04/02/2016

This reminds me of the dark beers my nan used to drink when I was a boy. Thick and chocolatey almost chewy. I am a big fan of dark beers and this one i must rate of one of my favourites. Its the first time I have tried this beer , Well done anchor i shall be including this one in my next order.

Deep and rich

60%

Review by mikejohnston01 02/02/2016

Didn\'t really know what to expect, but the 1st taste was a revelation with deep rich tasting notes but with a lightness. I would look to pair this with a Sunday Roast Beef.

Best porter in the world

100%

Review by Robo125 27/01/2016

Put simple this is the best porter there is. Must try if you like your porters

Excellent porter

80%

Review by Ian 05/01/2016

My favourite beer of the Xmas period. Very smooth, rich, chocolate flavour. Very tempting to reach for another!

Buy it

60%

Review by Blind Drunk 20/11/2015

Very enjoyable porter

Lovely porter

100%

Review by irv 08/11/2015

Lovely porter

Solid

80%

Review by John 07/11/2015

A solid and enjoyable Porter. You won't be disappointed.

Roasted delight

100%

Review by Kloob 06/11/2015

A thick, rich, chocolatey, coffee-ish, slightly burnt and not very bitter porter which is pleasant enough to drink all night on a cold winters eve.

Well crafted traditional porter

80%

Review by sb1206 18/09/2015

Great quality porter, simple but very well done.

Pocket rocket!

80%

Review by Llamaman 11/08/2015

An assuming stubby little bottle delivers a big flavour hit. Smooth mouthfeel and thick dollops of roasted malt and chocolate give way to a pleasantly hoppy finish to keep things balanced.

Spot on

100%

Review by LLOYDIE 05/07/2015

Best Porter I have ever tasted and I have tried a few!

More Anchor brilliance

100%

Review by James C 11/05/2015

All Anchor beers are excellent and this is no exception. It has every desirable Porter taste - smokey without being overbearing, rich but still easy to drink and the perfect strength. If you order Anchor you can't go wrong.

The porter standard

100%

Review by Abdyman 28/04/2015

This is a great porter which I use to judge all others by.
If you like porters and haven't tried this then what are you doing, get some now.
If you haven't tried porters before this is probably one of the best places to start, rich, thick, smokey and just great.

Bitter sweet

80%

Review by TheRPer 06/04/2015

The bitterness of the burnt-like tasting malted barley is complimented by a sweet richness from the malt. Heavily hopped for a porter, this one stands out from the crowd.

Perfect Porter

100%

Review by wreck 02/04/2015

Pours black with a thick tan lacing head. Aromas of chocolate and malt. Flavours of roasted malt, chocolate, oatmeal, hops. Not too sweet, just enough bitterness and very easy drinking. Top notch porter.

Rich and smooth

80%

Review by BigBadBeer 31/03/2015

Lovely rich, dark smooth porter

Lovely Porter

80%

Review by Ash S 22/03/2015

Classic porter flavours...lovely dark choc and coffee notes, and not overly bitter taste.

Hmmm...

80%

Review by RachB 16/03/2015

Hmmm, it seems the Americans CAN do porter. And they do it rather well too. Dark and full of flavour, Anchor come up trumps...

Superb

100%

Review by Bonesy 10/03/2015

This is an excellent porter. Possibly one of the best I've encountered. Full flavoured with a long smokey finish. Definitely on the re-order list

Tasty Darkness!

100%

Review by Gavin 06/02/2015

Really nice flavours of dark chocolate and coffee but not too bitter!

So delicious

100%

Review by Ruthandjen 08/01/2015

Could not believe how much taste came from such a small package. One of the first beers I tried in a Christmas present I received from Ruth - want to buy a whole case of it now!

great porter

100%

Review by bob 15/12/2014

great porter, agree with all points made in the reviews above.

Delicious murkiness

80%

Review by Ay Pee Horne 25/11/2014

Thick, black, oily, smokehouse of a beer. Reminds me of Chelsea Woppa's and burnt toffee. A staple in my house.

a top porter

100%

Review by Tasty 17/10/2014

every sip of this beer is a pleasure so much flavour a great black beer

Deep & Dark

100%

Review by Ninjabev 12/09/2014

A well crafted, dark flavoursome beer. Chocolate and toffee, hmmmmm

Heaven....!!

100%

Review by Kirky 04/09/2014

Dense flavours and nose...! Love this Porter. Refreshingly light tasting with a bit of poke.