San Francisco company Anchor Brewing, which has been making craft beers like Anchor Steam since 1896, is changing hands. Press releases were sent out today, and reports have been trickling out via Brookston Beer Bulletin and Beer Advocate that they have been purchased by The Griffin Group, an investment and consulting company in Marin County.

This is big news for a craft brewery that has been around for over a hundred years and holds such iconic status in San Francisco. The Griffin Group is a company with a focus on alcohol, and appears to be committed to upholding the traditions of Anchor Brewing. The company will be renamed Anchor Brewers & Distillers and plans to develop a “Center of Excellence” in San Francisco which will focus on the “development, education, entertainment and innovation” of craft beer.

Longtime Anchor Brewing owner Fritz Maytag will now be given the title Chairman Emeritus of Anchor Brewers & Distillers.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.