California Common - Homebrewing Style Guide
California Common, also known as Steam Beer, is one of the few truly American beer styles, born during the Gold Rush era when refrigeration was scarce but the thirst for beer was strong. Fermented warm with lager yeast and brewed with traditional ingredients, California Common balances rustic charm with clean drinkability. It’s toasty, mildly fruity, and finishes with a firm bitterness that gives it unmistakable character.
This style is built around Northern Brewer hops and a malt backbone of pale and crystal malts, producing a copper-colored beer with a woody, minty hop aroma and flavors of toast, caramel, and subtle fruit. California Common is a popular style to make at home, even if you don’t have a fermentation chamber. All you need is the right yeast, the right hops, and a taste for brewing history.
Vital Statistics (BJCP Style 19B – California Common):
- OG (Original Gravity): 1.048–1.054
- FG (Final Gravity): 1.011–1.014
- ABV: 4.5%–5.5%
- IBUs: 30–45
- SRM (Color): 10–14 (amber to light copper)
- Fermentation Temp: 58–65°F (lager yeast fermented warm)
- Common Hops: Northern Brewer
California Common FAQ
Is it hard to brew an Anchor Steam Beer clone?
Not at all! Anchor Steam is a well-balanced beer with moderate gravity, easy-to-find ingredients, and a yeast that thrives at ale temperatures. With the right recipe and yeast, you can brew an impressive California Common at home without fancy equipment.
What yeast should I use for a California Common?
Use a lager strain that performs well at ale temperatures. The classic choice is a California Lager yeast, which produces a clean profile with light fruity esters. This makes it perfect for homebrewers without temperature control.
Do I need a lagering fridge to brew California Common?
Nope! That’s one of the best parts. California Common is fermented warm with special lager yeast that tolerates higher temperatures. Just aim for a steady fermentation temp between 58–65°F, and you’re golden.
What makes California Common different from Amber Ale?
California Common uses a specific lager yeast fermented warm, giving it a cleaner profile with restrained esters and a firmer hop bite. Amber Ales are typically brewed with ale yeast and have more fruity esters and a softer finish.
Can I use other hops besides Northern Brewer?
You can, but Northern Brewer is key to the authentic flavor, earthy, woody, and slightly minty. Substituting hops will change the character of the beer, but it could be a fun experiment if you’re feeling adventurous or just want to drink more good beer that you've brewed yourself.