Style Breakdown - California Common

California Common, a.k.a. Steam Beer, is widely viewed as one of the truly american contributions to the beer world. This style was created on the west coast during the 1800's by brewers who had to improvise.

First, a quick lesson. Most beer fits into 1 of 2 categories: ales or lagers. Each uses a different type of yeast and fermentation temperature. Ales use yeast that ferments around room temperature (60°-75°F), while lagers are made with yeast that ferments at cooler temps (48°-58°F). California Common is one of the few styles that is neither an ale or a lager. It's considered a hybrid.

In the 19th century on the west coast of the United States, brewers did not have access to refrigeration or ice for making lagers at the proper temperature. That wasn't going to stop them from making beer with their lager yeast! They instead used shallow, open fermentation tanks which utilized the cool air coming off the ocean. This kept their fermentation temperatures near the low end for ales, but it was still quite warm for lagers. Because they were using lager yeast at ale temperatures, they created a unique hybrid american beer.

Modern California Commons are made the same way, using lager yeast at ale temperatures. They are typically amber in color and taste moderately malty with a noticeable, but not overpowering, hop bite. There are several breweries that make this style, but Anchor Steam is the most prevalent example. Go pick one up and give it a taste!