What is a California Common?

January 30 2023

What Is a California Common?

This beer style, often synonymous with "Steam Beer," carries a legacy of American brewing innovation from the 19th century. The hallmark of a California Common lies in its unique fermentation process and the distinctive flavor profile it produces—a perfect blend of history and taste that commands the attention of beer aficionados and novices alike.

Central to the California Common style is its fermentation technique. Unlike traditional ales and lagers that ferment at higher and lower temperatures respectively, this beer style uses lager yeast but ferments at warmer ale temperatures. This hybrid process results in a medium-bodied beer that strikes a harmonious balance between fruity ale flavors and crisp, refreshing lager notes.

Aesthetically, California Commons are immediately recognizable by their deep amber color, a visual testament to the moderate use of caramel and pale malts in their brewing. These malts not only contribute to the beer’s inviting hue but also add layers to its flavor, offering hints of toasty and caramel sweetness that perfectly complement the beer’s mild bitterness.

Hop character in California Commons adds another layer of complexity, typically showcasing Northern Brewer hops. This hop variety imparts a distinct woody, rustic edge to the beer, further fleshing out its robust and well-rounded taste profile.

In every sip of a California Common, drinkers experience a piece of brewing history. Its unique fermentation method, coupled with the careful selection of malts and hops, creates a beer that embodies the innovative spirit of California’s brewing past. As I explore this iconic beer style, it’s clear why the California Common holds a special place in the landscape of American craft beers, bridging the gap between ale and lager lovers with its versatile and crowd-pleasing flavor.

The History of California Common

Tracing back to the late 19th century, the California Common, or "Steam Beer," embodies a pivotal chapter in the U.S. brewing narrative. My interest in this beer style grew immensely when I discovered its roots deeply embedded in the early Californian Gold Rush era. During this time, a surge in migration led to a growing demand for beer. However, brewers faced significant challenges due to the lack of refrigeration and the warm California climate, which was unsuitable for traditional lager brewing that required colder conditions.

Innovation became necessity, leading to the birth of the California Common. Brewers of the era ingeniously adapted by fermenting beer with lager yeast at higher, ale-like temperatures. This method was unconventional yet effective, resulting in a beer that encapsulated the crispness of a lager with the fruity notes of an ale. Furthermore, the term "Steam Beer" is believed to have originated from the practice of cooling the wort on San Francisco rooftops in shallow, open pans, creating steam that would rise into the cool night air.

Anchor Brewing Company, established in 1896, played a monumental role in preserving the California Common style. By the mid-20th century, when the style was nearly extinct, Anchor Brewing revitalized and trademarked "Steam Beer," ensuring its survival and continued production. This revival not only saved the California Common from obscurity but also marked the beginning of a craft brewing renaissance in the United States.

Understanding the history of the California Common offers insight into the sustenance and evolution of brewing practices during a transformative period in American history. As I delve deeper into my exploration of beer styles, the California Common remains a testimonial to creativity and adaptation. It's a style that not only survived the test of time but also contributed to the diverse tapestry of American brewing culture.

Key Ingredients in a California Common

Exploring the unique characteristics of the California Common, or Steam Beer, it's crucial to delve into the key ingredients that define its distinct profile. My fascination with this historical beer style extends to understanding the intricacies of its composition. The following ingredients are paramount in crafting an authentic California Common.

Malt

Primarily, two-row pale malt comprises the base of a California Common. This malt contributes to the beer's light amber to deep copper color. Occasionally, brewers might add specialty malts, such as caramel malt, to impart additional sweetness and complexity to the flavor profile.

Hops

Northern Brewer hops are iconic in the brewing of California Common. Originating from England, these hops are now widely cultivated in the U.S. They're renowned for their woody and minty characteristics, which introduce a moderate to firm bitterness and a subtle, herbal aroma that balances the malt's sweetness.

Yeast

The yeast used in a California Common is a specialized lager yeast. What sets this apart is its ability to ferment at warmer ale fermentation temperatures, around 58°F to 68°F (14°C to 20°C). This hybrid fermentation process is key to achieving the beer's signature crispness and a hint of fruitiness, bridging lager and ale qualities.

Water

Though not often highlighted, the water quality plays a significant role in brewing California Common. Historically, San Francisco's water, with its unique mineral composition, contributed to the beer's distinctive taste. Modern brewers aim to replicate these conditions, ensuring the water enhances the beer's flavor profile rather than detracts from it.

Understanding these core ingredients, I'm struck by how they seamlessly come together to create a beer style that's both a nod to brewing history and a testament to brewers' adaptability. The California Common, with its blend of traditional and innovative brewing techniques, showcases the complexity of beer as a craft and an art form.

Notable California Common Brands

After delving into the essential ingredients that make up a California Common, it's clear this beer style is both unique and historically significant. Moving beyond its components, let's explore some notable brands that have championed this beer style, ensuring its place in craft beer culture.

First on my list is the Anchor Steam Beer by Anchor Brewing Company. As a trailblazer in the revival of the California Common, Anchor Steam holds a special place in craft beer history. Their version is the gold standard, embodying the perfect balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness that characterizes the style.

Another noteworthy contender is the Flying Dog Brewery's California Common. Known for their daring flavors and innovative brewing techniques, Flying Dog's rendition offers a modern twist on the traditional California Common, with a slightly more pronounced hop profile that appeals to contemporary palates.

The Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. also offers a nod to this historic beer style with their Sierra Nevada Southern Hemisphere Harvest. While not a California Common in the strictest sense, this beer incorporates unique hops from the Southern Hemisphere, providing an interesting variation on the classic style's hop character.

21st Amendment Brewery deserves a mention for their California Common Lager. They've managed to create a beer that pays homage to the roots of the style while appealing to modern beer drinkers with a crisp, refreshing taste and a beautifully balanced hop aroma.

Lastly, Liberty Ale by Anchor Brewing Company, though not strictly a California Common, shares a lineage with the style. Introduced in 1975, Liberty Ale uses a similar fermentation process and showcases the adaptability and innovation inherent in crafting California Commons.

Each of these brands showcases the versatility and enduring appeal of the California Common style. From Anchor Brewing's iconic rendition to modern interpretations, these beers exemplify the fusion of tradition and innovation that defines craft brewing.

Food Pairing Ideas

Continuing from the exploration of the California Common, or "Steam Beer," and its notable brands, I find it essential to discuss how this versatile beer style pairs with various foods. The unique brewing process of the California Common, which includes the use of lager yeast at higher fermentation temperatures, contributes to its distinct flavor profile. This brew offers a balance of malty sweetness and hop bitterness, making it an excellent candidate for a wide range of food pairings.

I usually recommend pairing the California Common with grilled or roasted meats. This beer complements the rich flavors of dishes like barbecued ribs, grilled chicken, or even a roasted pork loin. The slight caramel notes from the malt can enhance the savory taste of the meat, while the hop bitterness cuts through the richness, balancing the overall flavor experience.

Seafood is another excellent companion for the California Common. Try pairing it with grilled salmon or shrimp tacos. The beer's crisp finish provides a refreshing contrast to the seafood's richness, elevating the meal's flavor without overwhelming it.

For those who enjoy vegetarian dishes, the California Common also pairs well with hearty vegetables and legumes. Dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts, lentil burgers, or butternut squash risotto can benefit from this beer's versatile flavor profile. Its balanced sweetness and bitterness can complement the earthy tones of these vegetables, making for a delightful dining experience.

Cheese lovers, rejoice. California Common pairs beautifully with a range of cheeses. Aged cheddar, Gouda, or Swiss cheese are particularly good matches. The beer's carbonation and hop bitterness cut through the creaminess of the cheese, while its maltiness can bring out hidden flavors within the cheese itself.

The California Common's balance of flavors makes it a versatile partner for a wide array of foods. Whether you're enjoying a casual barbecue, a seafood feast, a vegetarian meal, or a cheese tasting, this beer style can enhance your dining experience, making every bite even more enjoyable.

How to Brew Your Own California Common

I've discovered that brewing your own California Common, a distinctive beer style with roots in the Californian Gold Rush era, presents an exciting challenge for homebrewers. This type of beer, often referred to as "Steam Beer," is known for its unique method of using lager yeast fermented at warmer ale temperatures. Here, I'll guide you through the essential steps and ingredients to create your own version of this historical brew.

Selecting Your Ingredients: Start with a base of pale malt to capture the traditional flavor. Including specialty grains like caramel malt will add depth and a hint of sweetness, aligning with the typical profiles of a California Common. For hops, Northern Brewer hops are a must, providing that characteristic woody and rustic hop bitterness.
Mashing Process: Aim for a mash temperature around 152°F (67°C). This temperature ideal strikes a balance, converting the starches into fermentable sugars while retaining the desired body and flavor complexity.
Boiling and Hopping: The boil is crucial for sanitizing the wort and extracting the right flavors and aromas from the hops. A 60-minute boil suits this beer style, adding the Northern Brewer hops at the beginning for bitterness and again towards the end for aroma.
Fermentation: Perhaps the most distinctive feature of brewing a California Common is fermenting with lager yeast at higher, ale-like temperatures, typically between 58°F and 68°F (14°C-20°C). This process is what imparts the beer's unique flavor profile, blending lager crispness with ale fruitiness.
Lagering: After primary fermentation, cold storing, or lagering, the beer for several weeks will help clarify and mellow out the flavors. Typically, a period of 3-4 weeks at temperatures close to freezing is sufficient.
Bottling and Conditioning: Finally, bottle your brew with a small amount of priming sugar and allow it to condition for at least two weeks. This step carbonates the beer and rounds out the taste.

By following these steps, I help beer enthusiasts embark on the fulfilling journey of brewing their own California Common at home. This process not only pays homage to a pivotal piece of brewing history but also allows for personal experimentation with the style, guiding enthusiasts towards creating a beer that's uniquely theirs while staying true to the heart of the California Common tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who contributed significantly to the preservation of the California Common style?

Anchor Brewing Company has played a significant role in preserving and popularizing the California Common style, ensuring its continued production and appreciation among beer enthusiasts.

What foods pair well with California Common?

California Common pairs exceptionally well with a variety of foods, including grilled meats, seafood, vegetarian dishes, and cheeses, making it a versatile choice for many culinary occasions.

Can you brew California Common at home?

Yes, brewing California Common at home is possible. The process involves selecting the right ingredients, mashing, boiling, fermenting with lager yeast at warmer temperatures, lagering, bottling, and conditioning. This allows beer enthusiasts to experiment with creating their own versions of this historical brew.

Why is it important to ferment California Common with lager yeast at warmer temperatures?

Fermenting California Common with lager yeast at warmer temperatures is crucial to its unique flavor profile. This unconventional method results in a beer that combines the crispness of a lager with the complexity of an ale, defining the distinct character of California Common.

What is a California Common?