Steam beer, also known as California Common Beer, is a hybrid beer style that combines lager and ale characteristics. It is made with pale malt and American hops, typically has an amber to light copper color, and an alcohol content of 4.5-5.5%.
History
Historical steam beer originated in the San Francisco area and was produced with lager yeast without refrigeration. Modern steam beer is associated with Anchor Brewing Company, which launched the Anchor Steam beer brand in 1981. The name 'steam' may come from the cloud of vapor that enveloped the brewery during cooling, or from the German 'Dampfbier' style, known to American brewers of German descent.
How it is made
Steam beer is fermented with lager yeast at higher temperatures typical for ales (12.8-15.6°C). It uses pale ale malt, American hops (often Northern Brewer), and small amounts of roasted and/or crystal malt. The beer is well-carbonated and has a characteristic hoppy aroma with woody and light fruity notes, balanced by a malty flavor with roasted and caramel notes.
Types and styles
Modern steam beer resembles American pale ale and amber ale but differs in its woody-hop flavor and malt profile with roasted and caramel notes. Examples of commercial steam beers include Anchor Steam, Southampton West Coast Steam Beer, Old Dominion Victory Amber, and Flying Dog Old Scratch Amber Lager.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Паровое пиво, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.