California common, traditionally referred to as Steam Beer, is one of the few uniquely American styles of beer. It was created in San Francisco by German immigrants hoping to catch a nugget of the Gold Rush by brewing a warmer lager. If you can't ferment cool, use an American Ale yeast (Wyeast 1056) and make a woody amber ale.

Style: California Common

Brew Type: All Grain

For 5.5 gallons at 1.054, 9.1 SRM, 63.8IBUs, 5.0 percent ABV

60-minute boil

Directions

Follow the Single-Infusion Brew Process.

TIP

The dying Anchor Brewery was rescued by Fritz Maytag and revitalized over a decade. By that time, Anchor was the last standing maker of San Francisco's unique Steam Beer. Anchor then trademarked the term “Steam Beer.”