California Common

A lightly fruity beer with firm, grainy maltiness, interesting toasty and caramel flavors, and moderate hop bitterness. Lager yeast fermented at ale temperatures.

Moderate malt aroma with toasty, caramel, and lightly woody Northern Brewer hop notes. Low to moderate fruity esters from warm lager fermentation. Interesting and distinctive with a woody or minty quality.

Amber to copper, 10-14 SRM. Clear. Off-white to ivory head with moderate to good retention.

Moderate toasty, caramel malt flavor with woody Northern Brewer hop character. Moderate bitterness. Low fruity esters. Dry, refreshing finish. Unique Northern Brewer woody-minty hop flavor.

Medium body with moderate to high carbonation. Smooth. Slight creaminess. Clean finish with good drinkability.

The only truly indigenous American lager style, originating in San Francisco in the mid-19th century. Gold Rush-era breweries fermented lager yeast at warmer California temperatures without refrigeration, creating a unique hybrid character. Anchor Steam Beer revived the style in 1971 and holds the trademark 'Steam Beer.' Also called 'Steam Beer' or 'California Lager.'

What is California Common beer?

California Common / Steam Beer (BJCP 19B) — a unique American style using lager yeast at warm temperatures.

What is the ABV of California Common?

California Common has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.5-5.5%.

How bitter is California Common beer?

California Common measures 30-45 IBU (International Bitterness Units).

What are some examples of California Common beers?

Anchor Steam Beer, Flying Dog Old Scratch Amber Lager, Steamworks Steam Engine Lager