Anchor IPA to Launch in the UK with James Clay
5 May 2014
The California Gold Rush lured thousands of Americans west to "see the elephant," a 19th-century metaphor for the hopeful but risky pursuit of happiness, adventure and fortune.
As early as 1849, British brewers were exporting India Pale Ale to India and some of these beers were also heading around the Horn to San Francisco. Thirsty ‘49ers savoured the best imported IPAs, but it wasn’t until 1975 that Anchor pioneered the revival of dry-hopped handmade beers. Now that tradition fast-forwards to an adventurous new brew: Anchor IPA™.
Anchor IPA™ (6.5% Abv) is made with 2-row barley malt and fresh whole-cone hops, its bright amber color, distinctively complex aroma, spiky bitterness, malty depth, and clean finish unite to create a uniquely flavourful, memorable, and timeless craft IPA.
"I don’t give a hoot, I have seen the elephant!"
To "see the elephant" was a popular 19th-century expression that originated with a tale that predates the California Gold Rush.
There once lived a farmer who had heard of elephants but had never seen one. He longed for the day when he might catch a glimpse of this rare, exotic creature. When the circus came to town, he loaded his wagon with fresh produce and headed to market. On the way, just as he'd hoped, he came across the circus parade, nobly led by an enormous elephant.
The farmer was ecstatic, but his horses were terrified. They reared and bucked, overturning his wagon and scattering its precious contents in the road. "I don’t give a hoot," exclaimed the farmer. "I have seen the elephant!"
The elephant became the universal symbol of the Gold Rush, as evidenced by the journals, letters, and sketchbooks of the forty-niners. Whether or not they struck it rich in the diggings, those plucky pioneers would forever treasure their California adventure as the defining moment of their lives.
Anchor IPA™ will be available exclusively through James Clay and partner distributors from June 2014.
Available in 24 x 355ml bottles and 30 litre keg.