California Common - CraftBeer.com
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Beer Styles

California Common

The California common is brewed with lager yeast but fermented at ale fermentation temperatures. There is a noticeable degree of toasted malt and/or caramel-like malt character in flavor and often in aroma. Often referred to as “steam beer” and made famous by San Francisco’s Anchor Brewing Company. Seek out woody and mint flavor from the Northern Brewer hops.

Category: Hybrid Beers

Food Pairings

  • Pork Loin
  • Feta
  • Bread Pudding

Glassware & Serving Temperature

Nonic Pint
50-55 °F

Commercial Examples

Commercial Examples

Appearance

Color

Light Amber to Medium Amber

Clarity

Clear

Carbonation (Visual)

Medium to Fast Rising Bubbles

Flavor/Aroma

Alcohol

Not Detectable to Mild

Hop

Hop flavor is low to medium-low and may present as Woody, Rustic, or Minty. Hop bitterness is medium to medium-high

Malt

Noticeable caramel-type malt flavor should be present

Esters

Fruity-ester aromas, if present, should be low to medium-low

Phenols

Not common to style

Sensations

Body

Drying

Carbonation

Medium to High

Finish Length

Short

Attenuation

Medium

Ingredients

Hops

Northern Brewer

Malt

Pale, Munich, Crystal, Victory, Pale Chocolate

Water

Varies

Yeast

Lager

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