I. What is California Common?
California Common, also known as Steam Beer, is a unique style of beer that originated in California in the late 19th century. It is characterized by its use of lager yeast fermented at ale temperatures, resulting in a hybrid beer that combines the crispness of a lager with the fruity esters of an ale. California Common is typically amber in color with a medium body and a balanced malt and hop profile.
II. History of California Common
The history of California Common dates back to the Gold Rush era in California when German immigrants brought their brewing traditions to the West Coast. Due to the lack of refrigeration in California at the time, brewers were forced to ferment their lager yeast at warmer temperatures, resulting in a beer that was a cross between a lager and an ale. This style of beer became known as California Common or Steam Beer, with the latter term believed to have originated from the steam that rose from the fermenting beer on the rooftops of San Francisco breweries.
One of the most famous California Common breweries is Anchor Brewing Company, which has been brewing its flagship beer, Anchor Steam, since 1896. Anchor Steam played a significant role in reviving the California Common style in the 1960s and is credited with popularizing the style among craft beer enthusiasts.
III. Characteristics of California Common
California Common is known for its unique combination of flavors and aromas. It typically has a toasty malt character with hints of caramel and biscuit, balanced by a moderate hop bitterness. The use of lager yeast at ale temperatures gives California Common a clean fermentation profile with subtle fruity esters. The beer is often medium-bodied with a smooth mouthfeel and a crisp, dry finish.
In terms of appearance, California Common is usually amber to copper in color with a thick, creamy head that lingers. It is moderately carbonated and has a slight haze due to the use of ale yeast at warmer temperatures.
IV. Brewing Process of California Common
The brewing process for California Common involves a few key steps that differentiate it from traditional lagers and ales. The first step is the use of a lager yeast strain, typically a California Lager yeast, which is fermented at ale temperatures (around 60-65°F) instead of the cooler temperatures typically used for lagers.
The malt bill for California Common usually consists of a combination of pale malt, Munich malt, and sometimes a small amount of caramel or crystal malt for added sweetness and color. The hops used in California Common are typically traditional American varieties such as Northern Brewer or Cascade, which contribute to the beer’s balanced bitterness and hop aroma.
After fermentation, California Common is typically lagered at cooler temperatures for a period of time to allow the flavors to mellow and the beer to clarify. This lagering process helps to smooth out any rough edges and create a clean, crisp finish.
V. Food Pairing with California Common
California Common pairs well with a variety of foods due to its balanced malt and hop profile. The toasty malt character of the beer complements grilled meats, burgers, and barbecue dishes, while the moderate hop bitterness helps cut through rich and fatty foods like fried chicken or macaroni and cheese.
Seafood dishes such as fish tacos, shrimp scampi, and grilled salmon also pair well with California Common, as the beer’s crisp finish and carbonation help cleanse the palate between bites. For dessert, try pairing California Common with caramel or toffee-based sweets like flan or sticky toffee pudding for a delicious contrast of flavors.
VI. Popular California Common Brands
In addition to Anchor Steam, there are several other popular California Common brands that have gained recognition in the craft beer world. Some of these include:
1. Ballast Point California Kolsch – A light and refreshing California Common with a clean malt profile and subtle hop bitterness.
2. Lagunitas Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ – A hop-forward California Common with tropical fruit aromas and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
3. Sierra Nevada California Lager – A classic interpretation of the California Common style with a crisp, clean finish and a touch of citrusy hops.
These brands, along with Anchor Steam, showcase the diversity and creativity of the California Common style and continue to attract beer enthusiasts looking for a unique and flavorful drinking experience.