A juicy, fruity haze bomb isn’t the usual beer you’d expect from a San Francisco craft beer icon, but that’s exactly what Anchor Brewing delivers in its newest brew, San Franpsycho IPA. The beer is the result of a collaboration between Anchor and San Franpsycho, a Bay Area-based clothing brand and custom screen printer, to celebrate the city and culture of San Francisco. Despite its unlikely origins, San Franpyscho is a beer that stands up to its maker’s storied history, even taking home a Bronze at the 2018 World Beer Awards.

Appearance and Aroma

San Franpsycho’s can features a vibrantly colored San Francisco Outer Sunset design paired with Anchor’s logo. Out of the can, the beer pours a hazy, golden orange color with a pillowy, cream-colored full foam that lasts long after pouring and multiple sips. Strong aromas of peach, pineapple, and mango come forth as I bring the beer up to my nose. Light notes of bready malt and a slight hop dankness are also noticeable in the background.

Flavor

Not your typical IPA, San Franpsycho showcases a juicy, sweet bready malt flavor blended with robust notes of mango and peach from the fruit purees added during secondary fermentation. These tastes are complemented by the subtle fruity esters from the Belgian yeast used to ferment the beer. It all ends with stone-fruit forward hop finish and creamy, smooth mouthfeel.

Overall

To Anchor, I have to say: well done. This take on hazy IPA is unique, well-balanced, and delightfully enjoyable. It’s unlike any other hazy IPA I’ve had, and that’s saying something, given the indistinguishable sea of haze bombs being produced today. If you’re headed to the Bay Area, I’d highly recommend getting your hands on some while it lasts.