Retro

"Beechwood Aged." "From the glass-lined tanks of Old Latrobe." "Fresh from the Rocky Mountains." There are a zillion ways to brew beer - and to tag it with something unique. For the most part, the tag is pretty descriptive. But what about "steam beer?"

The most common explanation details a primitive brewing process that used no ice - it was a bit hard to come by in 1890s Northern California. Anchor Brewing Company says it derives from the large bins of hot wort that used to be placed on top of the brewery to cool, thereby creating a cloud of steam. Regardless of the explanation, Anchor's Steam Beer was revitalized in the 1970s and helped kick-start the micro-brewery explosion. It's now a perennial favorite nation-wide - and best served cold.

Micro Beer Jerseys are made by Retro Image Apparel, which specializes in retro cycling clothing (obviously). Its jerseys are club cut, meaning they have a roomier fit than a race-cut jersey like those from Capo or Castelli. If you prefer a tighter fit, go down one size.