How to Brew California Common: Mastering the Art of the West Coast’s Iconic Steam Beer

California Common, or Steam Beer, as it is also historically known as, is one of only three styles that have their origins deeply rooted in America.

During the California Gold Rush of 1849, several different businesses launched and this included a segment for craft brewers. 

The Need for Lagers

Out east just prior to the growth out west, lager brewing was growing in popularity. With this need for a good lager out west, the yeast followed the brewers out west for the opportunity for lagers to be brewed in California.

However, it was quickly discovered that California’s climate was less than ideal for brewing lagers. Nevertheless, improvisation is one of the key traits of a good brewer. 

Improvisions

Brewers made the decision to brew with the lager yeast, but fermented closer to ale temps. After fermentation was reached, the beer was then finished in long wooden vessels called coolships. This kept the beer cooler and reduced the chances of off-flavors.

The finished beer was then transferred into barrels with a specific amount of unfinished beer. The unfinished beer would then condition and carbonate. This created a very highly carbonated beer. 

Theories of how “Steam” came to be

It is unknown exactly how California Common style became known as “Steam.” There are three prevailing ideas or theories out there. Like most stories, some of all three ideas might actually be true.

Anchor Steam Brewing Company tells the story of their brewery in San Francisco having their coolships on their rooftops due to the cool night air. The difference of ambient temperature and the beer would create the steam. 

Another theory was the need to let off excess carbonation before serving the beer. The carbonation was so high that it sounded like a steam whistle when the barrel was first tapped. 

Finally, the last theory is that the name originated from Dampfbier, translated to “steam beer.” This was a German style that was brewed at high temperatures. Seeing how many of the brewers at that time came from Germany, it is a possibility. 

Style Profile for California Common

Appearance

The color of a California Common should be amber to light copper. A long-lasting off-white head caps off the beer.  

Aroma

The aroma of woody, earthy, and maybe even minty is common due to the Northern Brewer hops that are present in this beer. Some caramel and toast is present in the beer as well. 

Flavor

Moderately malty with a pronounced hop bitterness. The malt character is toast and caramelly. Low to moderately-high hop flavor, usually woody, earthy, and minty.

The beer finishes dry and crisp with a lingering hop bitterness and a firm grainy flavor. Light fruity esters are present. 

Mouthfeel

The mouthfeel is medium bodied. Medium to medium-high carbonation. 

Food Pairing

When it comes to pairing a Califoriai Common with food, consider the caramelly malt and hop bitterness of the beer style.

Grilled meats tend to pair well with a beer with caramel and toasty flavors. Spicy foods like Thai and Mexican are also good pairings. Pork loin, feta cheese, and bread pudding are all good pairings as well. 

Tips for Brewing your own California Common

Grain

The grist for a California Common usually starts with domestic 2-Row, domestic pale malt, or domestic Pilsner. These grains will give the beer a subtly malt backbone, light bready, biscuit notes, and a grainy malt character respectively.

A single base malt or a combination of any of the three would work well. Play around to see what best suits you and your taste. Crystal malt between 30 and 70 °L and up to 10% of the grist is needed for this beer.

Some Victory malt, biscuit, or even pale chocolate imparts a nice dark, toasty note to the beer. Keep these additions to around 1%. 

Hops

Traditionally, Northern Brewer hops were used for a California Common. This is the hop that Anchor Steam used and still uses today. Typical American hops being citrusy and fruit forward, tend to overshadow the feremation character of this style. Northern Brewer hops have a nice woody, earthy character.

In terms of hop quantities and additions, these should be bold, yet not overwhelm the palate and turn into an IPA. A bittering addition is common along with a flavor and aroma addition. A bitterness-to-starting gravity ratio should be between 0.6 to 1.0. 

Yeast

Using the proper yeast at its proper fermentation temperature is key for this style.

White Labs San Francisco Lager WLP810, Wyeast California Lager 2112, or even a Kolsch yeast strain can all produce a nice California Common.  

California Common the By the Numbers

• Color Range: 10 – 14 SRM
• Original Gravity: 1.048 – 1.154 OG
• Final Gravity: 1.010 – 1.014 FG
• IBU Range: 30 – 45
• ABV Range: 4.5 – 5.5%

California Common Recipe

Grain

• 74%            8 lbs        Pale Malt (2-Row)     
•   9 %           1 lb          Caramell 40  
• 10 %           1 lb          Munich Malt
•   5 %           8 oz         Cara-Pils
•   2 %           2 oz         Chocolate Rye Malt

Hops

• 1.00 oz         Northern Brewer – Boil  45 min
• 0.50 oz         Northern Brewer  – Boil 15 min
• 0.50 oz         Northern Brewer  – Boil  0 min

Yeast

• 1.0 pkg   California Lager Wyeast 2112

Directions

• Mash at 152°F (66°C) for 60 mins
• Boil for 60 mins 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a California Common Beer?

California Common Beer is a unique style of beer that emerged in California during the 19th century. This beer is known for its hybrid brewing process, which involves fermenting lager yeasts at warmer ale yeast temperatures.

This method produces a beer with the clean crispness of a lager combined with the flavorful profile of an ale. The California Common Beer is often amber in color with a medium hop bitterness, and a distinctive woody or rustic quality.

How is the California Common Beer Recipe distinct from other beer recipes?

The California Common Beer Recipe is peculiar due to its hybrid fermentation process. Utilizing lager yeast but fermenting at ale temperatures allows for a distinct flavor and clarity not found in other beers.

The use of specific ingredients like Northern Brewer hops and the California lager yeast, alongside the unique fermentation process, creates a distinctive beer style which is both refreshing and flavorful. This recipe is a blend of the steam beer tradition with the robustness of modern brewing techniques.

What kind of beer is Anchor Steam?

Anchor Steam is a hallmark example of a California Common Beer. It’s brewed in a traditional steam beer style, which is a method that traces back to the Gold Rush era in California. The term “steam” is believed to have originated from the steam produced during the brewing process.

Anchor Steam has a well-rounded maltiness, a hint of hop bitterness, and a unique flavor, making it a standout representation of the California Common Beer style.

How does the California Common Yeast contribute to the beer’s character?

California Common Yeast, often referred to as lager yeast, plays a critical role in shaping the character of California Common Beer. When fermented at warmer temperatures, this yeast imparts a mild fruitiness while retaining a clean, lager-like profile.

It aids in achieving the hybrid character of California Common Beer, delivering a blend of ale and lager qualities. This yeast strain is crucial for anyone looking to create an authentic California Common Beer using the provided recipe.

What does your beer choice, specifically a California Common, say about you?

Choosing a California Common Beer reflects an appreciation for historical brewing traditions coupled with a taste for innovative brewing techniques. This choice signifies a preference for a well-balanced, medium-bodied beer with a unique flavor profile.

It might also indicate a penchant for exploring regional beer styles and a curiosity towards the hybrid nature of California Common, where the lines between ales and lagers are creatively blurred.