Mybeerbuzz.com Highlights Anchor Flying Cloud San Francisco Stout

Back in 2012 I gave you an early peek at the 3rd release in the Anchor Brewing Zymaster Series.  The beer was called Flying Cloud, and much to my disappointment, I didn’t get to try it.  Fast forward to March 2015, and Anchor released Flying Cloud as the 1st beer in their Argonaut Series, and once again I missed out.  So I was very excited when Anchor announced the return of Flying Cloud…and I was even more excited when Anchor shared a sample.

This Dublin-style stout was inspired by the export stouts from the San Francisco gold rush era and named for the ship that set the 1851 record-setting trip from New York to San Francisco.  These beers were brewed to survive the trip around Cape Horn (89 days on Flying Cloud), and I think like the ship, you’ll find this one vastly different from it’s traditional counterparts.

Flying Cloud uses English Maris Otter pale malts, two black malts and flaked barley as well as Golding and Nugget hops.  The beer hits 7.4%-AbV and after tasting it you’ll find it’s no surprise that Flying Cloud has returned to the Anchor lineup.

Flying Cloud pours deep and dark with an inviting roasty and spicy aroma.  The beer has loads of chocolate and biscuity malt flavors with a dry and clean finish.  I found lots of spice and roasty flavors up front with a full-bodied feel and a spicy somewhat dry floral finish.  The dry finish cleans everything up and in the end it is a really nicely balanced beer.

Flying Cloud will be available in 12oz bottled 4-packs as well as kegs from now through May so don’t miss out.  Try it for yourself, and when you do be sure to let us know what YOU think.