I know, it might be too early for some of you but for me it's only 5 hours left before 2023.

Despite any mixed feelings we may have about 2022 and 2023, let's stay positive about the coming year. I hope you all have a wonderful celebration and time with your families today.

Today I am celebrating with a beer called Anker. It's a Pilsner beer that I can say is pretty old in the country. From the can, it says they’ve been crafting since 1932 which means even before Indonesia gained its independence. This company has a long history too and was first owned by German nationals and then bought by the Dutch. According to their homepage, they are also a publicly traded company and offer dividends annually. In addition to Anker, their flagship product, they also offer stout and flavored beer. Although I haven't tried those two, I have seen them available at stores. It's interesting to learn about the history and business aspects of this company. I'm not sure why they chose the name Anker, as it means "haunted" or "scary" in Indonesian. Maybe after drinking you’ll turn scary or a ghost? Maybe it equates with bravery and machismo. Maybe.

In Indonesia, it can be difficult to find beer, especially in smaller towns or cities. Even in larger cities, there are only a few stores that carry beer. However, I recently learned that Bali brewery has entered the market where I live and I am excited to review it here.

What’s My Verdict?

Anker has a slightly sweet taste and a light appearance. After trying a few pilsner and lager beers, I am starting to notice the differences between them. The bubbles in Anker move quickly, as you can see in the picture below. It was satisfying to watch the bubbles rise.

This beer is made of 8.3% malt, corn, and hop. From what I remember, the ingredients are relatively simple compared to Bintang. These are the ingredients I typically expect in a beer, as opposed to some other brands on the market. I was initially skeptical about trying Anker because I am not usually a fan of Bintang Pilsener, but I ended up enjoying it. First because it has more aroma and flavor to it compared to bintang. It’s not just about being fizzy and I can fully taste and savor the beer. It’s certainly a sweet note to end the year and this last Beer review in 2022. Here’s to many more beers in 2023!