California Common / Steam Beer The California Common, also known as Steam Beer, is a lightly fruity beer of medium amber to light copper color with firm, grainy maltiness, interesting toasty and caramel flavors, and showcasing rustic, traditional American hop characteristics. The style is originating in 18th century California, where brewers without access to refrigeration produced beers using lager yeasts and warm temperatures. Superficially similar to an American Amber Ale, but with traditional American hops and the malt flavors are more toasty, the hopping is always assertive, and a warm-fermented lager yeast is used. Less attenuated, less carbonated and less fruity than Australian Sparkling ale. Serve In: Top Beers of the Style Smuttynose Big Beer Series: East Coast Common (3.572025) Basqueland / Mean Sardine California Uncommon (3.568173) Mikkeller California Rare (3.479286) Ramses Bier / De Bebaarde Brouwer Z'Onder Baard (3.469073) Gulpener / vandeStreek Op Stoom (3.451792)