Anthem Brewing Company
Although the craft beer movement is becoming increasingly more mainstream, many people continue to find it quite intimidating. With hundreds of options now flooding the market, novice drinkers have a staggering level of choice. Left to their own devices, some have dipped their toes into craft beer and then pulled back after being bitten by the bitterness of an IPA. But with such a vast spectrum of styles in existence, it’s worth following our guidance for a craft beer experience via Anthem Brewing Company that is sure to be educational and enjoyable for all.
Anthem Brewing has something for those new to beer and seasoned vets alike. Founded in Oklahoma City in 2012, Anthem produces a variety of beers that range from traditional and easy drinking to more complex and strong barrel-aged brews. Located in the Urban Farmhouse Brewery at 908 SW 4th Street in downtown Oklahoma City, brewmaster Patrick Lively and his crew make beers to match a variety of tastes and preferences.
Their first release was Golden One, a Belgian-style blonde ale. It’s still the most popular beer Anthem makes, which isn’t surprising given Golden One’s hazy color, slightly yeasty aroma, and sweet pineapple notes. It’s a serious beer that’s the perfect introduction for those looking to try something craft. Most recently, Anthem has released their OK Pils, a crisp and refreshing German pilsner and an excellent everyday drink.
For those who prefer darker beers, the Uroboros is an outstanding stout. Its rich flavor is brimming with roasted malts, chocolate, and a bit of Belgian yeast. The smoothness of Uroboros belies its hefty 8.5% ABV, so sip this one slowly. Whiskey drinkers should try the Pappy Burlson, a bourbon barrel-aged wheat wine. It boasts a towering 17% ABV and a boozy taste that mingles toffee, wheat, and whiskey flavors into a complex concoction.
It’s easy to find Anthem beers throughout the Oklahoma City metro. The brewery has accomplished this prominence through its core value of community involvement. Whether through their support of Friends of the Plaza and Western Avenue Association or by pouring beer at popular festivals like H&8th, Anthem made its name by engaging the community. Additionally, they host a weekly bicycle ride, as well as various live music and comedy events at their taproom.
Anthem has also teamed up with a few different local entities in association with specific beers. For instance, after producing several recipes and asking fans to vote on the best one, Anthem created the Upper 90 pale ale for the Oklahoma City Energy Football Club. This light and sessionable ale is perfect for a summer evening at Taft Stadium.
Every autumn brings Anthem’s popular seasonal, the Ogletoberfest. Co-branded with the self-described “obscure local social blog” known as The Lost Ogle, this beer is available on tap and in cans across the state. Ogletoberfest is a Vienna-style marzen, which is a traditional Oktoberfest lager. The extra malts lend it a bold copper color, and the flavor is slightly toasty and sweet. It pairs well with a juicy bratwurst and an accordion soundtrack.
Even though Anthem beers are readily available throughout Oklahoma City, it’s worth visiting the source and enjoying the taproom with the aforementioned music and comedy events plus more. Every Saturday afternoon, Anthem features tours of the facility, which is conveniently located near Reno and Western, close to Wheeler Park and the Oklahoma River. The taproom is open every day but Sunday, and has a loose, casual vibe, often with food trucks serving lunch outside. Visitors can sample not only the flagship brews, but also several limited rotators that range from simple variations of classics to experimental and creative batches. After trying all of the offerings, make the wise choice to fill a growler (or two!) to take home and enjoy later.
