Steam beer

Steam Beer

A glass of steam beer

Steam beer is a highly effervescent beer brewed using lager yeasts but fermented at warmer ale temperatures. This unique brewing process originated in California during the 19th century and is closely associated with the Anchor Brewing Company in San Francisco.

History

The origins of steam beer date back to the California Gold Rush era, when refrigeration was a luxury unavailable to most brewers. The warm climate of California necessitated a different approach to brewing, leading to the development of steam beer. Brewers used lager yeasts, which typically require cooler fermentation temperatures, but allowed the fermentation to occur at higher temperatures, similar to those used for ales.

The name "steam beer" is believed to have originated from the practice of fermenting the beer in open, shallow vessels on rooftops, where the cool night air would help lower the temperature of the fermenting beer. The "steam" may refer to the clouds of steam that rose from the beer as it cooled.

Brewing Process

Steam beer is brewed using a process that combines elements of both lager and ale brewing. The key characteristics of steam beer include:

• Yeast: Lager yeast is used, which is typically fermented at cooler temperatures. However, in steam beer production, the fermentation occurs at warmer temperatures, around 18–20°C (64–68°F).
• Fermentation: The warmer fermentation temperatures result in a beer with a distinct flavor profile, often described as having a slightly fruity and robust character.
• Carbonation: Steam beer is known for its high level of natural carbonation, which is achieved through the use of open fermentation vessels and the absence of artificial carbonation methods.

Modern Production

Today, the most famous producer of steam beer is the Anchor Brewing Company, which trademarked the term "Steam Beer" in 1981. As a result, other brewers producing similar styles often refer to their products as "California Common" to avoid trademark infringement.

Anchor Steam Beer remains a popular choice among craft beer enthusiasts and is celebrated for its rich history and unique brewing process. The beer is characterized by its amber color, creamy head, and balanced flavor profile, with notes of caramel and a slightly hoppy finish.

Related Pages

• Anchor Brewing Company
• California Common
• Lager
• Ale
• Fermentation