California common
Term from the Brauwerkstatt brewing glossary, category “Beer styles”.
Explanation
American style from the gold rush era, also called “steam beer”. It is brewed with lager yeast that ferments warm without cooling, once in shallow open vessels. Amber, malty and toasty, with a woody, minty note from Northern Brewer hops. The Anchor Brewery in San Francisco made the style famous. Typical: 4.5–5.5 % ABV, 30–45 IBU.
Test your knowledge
What is special about California common (“steam beer”)?
- It ferments spontaneously
- It is fermented cold with ale yeast
- It is fermented with lager yeast, but warm
Show answer
Correct: It is fermented with lager yeast, but warm. During the gold rush there was hardly any refrigeration in California. Anchor in San Francisco has kept the style alive.