Style Expectations

The California Common (also known as a Steam Beer) is a lightly fruity beer with a firm, grainy maltiness. It has interesting toasty and caramel flavors, and showcasing rustic, traditional American hop characteristics.

Appearance

Medium amber to light copper color. Generally clear. Moderate off-white head with good retention.

Aroma

Typically showcases rustic, traditional American hops (often with woody, rustic or minty qualities) in moderate to high strength. Light fruitiness acceptable. Low to moderate caramel and/or toasty malt aromatics support the hops.

Flavor

Moderately malty with a pronounced hop bitterness. The malt character is usually toasty (not roasted) and caramelly. Low to moderately high hop flavor, usually showing rustic, traditional American hop qualities (often woody, rustic, minty). Finish fairly dry and crisp, with a lingering hop bitterness and a firm, grainy malt flavor. Light fruity esters are acceptable, but otherwise clean.

Mouthfeel

The California Common is medium-bodied with medium to medium-high carbonation.