The California common is brewed with lager yeast but fermented at ale fermentation temperatures. There is a noticeable degree of toasted malt and/or caramel-like malt character in flavor and often in aroma. Often referred to as “steam beer” and made famous by San Francisco’s Anchor Brewing Company. Seek out woody and mint flavor from the Northern Brewer hops.
California Common
Category: Hybrid Beers
Food Pairings
- Pork Loin
- Feta
- Bread Pudding
Commercial Examples
- Wagon Party, Bauhaus Brew Labs
- 2x Steam, Southern Tier Brewing Co.
- Steam Engine Lager, Steamworks Brewing Co.
Appearance
Color
Light Amber to Medium Amber
Clarity
Clear
Carbonation (Visual)
Medium to Fast Rising Bubbles
Flavor/Aroma
Alcohol
Not Detectable to Mild
Hop
Hop flavor is low to medium-low and may present as Woody, Rustic, or Minty. Hop bitterness is medium to medium-high
Malt
Noticeable caramel-type malt flavor should be present
Esters
Fruity-ester aromas, if present, should be low to medium-low
Phenols
Not common to style
Sensations
Body
Drying
Carbonation
Medium to High
Finish Length
Short
Attenuation
Medium
Ingredients
Hops
Northern Brewer
Malt
Pale, Munich, Crystal, Victory, Pale Chocolate
Water
Varies
Yeast
Lager
