Brew a classic California Common with smooth malt complexity and distinctive woody, minty Northern Brewer hop character.
Makes 5 gallons of Steam Beer
All-grain recipe designed for brewers with an all-grain system
Ready to drink in about 4 weeks
California Common style, fermented with hybrid ale-lager yeast
California common, exactly as intended
M54 is the strain we put behind this kit, and the logic is simple: true lager character at ale temperatures, no lagering period, and no sulfur to clean up afterwards. It attenuates further than anything else here and drops bright.
Ferment at 64-68°F
Attenuation 77-82%
Flocculation High
Lager taste, ale temps
Maltier, and still properly lager
The strain the style is named for, and it holds true lager character at cool room temperatures, so you get a lager without a lager fridge. It leaves more malt in the glass than M54 does, keeping the caramel and toasted malt present. High flocculation clears it well.
Ferment at 58-65°F
Attenuation 70-75%
Flocculation High
Lager character, warm ferment
Rounder and more refined
Urkel is a proper Czech lager strain and it makes a smoother, more balanced beer than the California common strains do. The trade is a genuinely cold fermentation rather than an ale temperature one. Expect some sulfur while it works, which cleans up as it conditions.
Ferment at 52-58°F
Attenuation 71-75%
Flocculation Medium
Balanced, soft, Czech
Rich, malty and lager traditional
A genuine Bavarian lager strain built for rich, full bodied malty beer, which pushes this steam beer toward marzen territory. It ferments colder than the California common strains here and wants a thorough diacetyl rest at the end.
Ferment at 46-58°F
Attenuation 73-77%
Flocculation Medium-High
Rich, full, malty
German lager character, hops lifted
WLP830 brings the Northern Brewer and Liberty forward and leaves almost nothing of its own in the glass. It works properly cold, colder than the California common strains here, so this is the one for a fermentation fridge.
Ferment at 50-55°F
Attenuation 74-79%
Flocculation Medium
Crisp, clean, classic
✅ Beginner-friendly with step-by-step brewing support
Flavor Profile & Beer Style
Steam Beer, also known as California Common, is a distinctly American style that balances smooth malt character with firm, woody hop bitterness. Light caramel malt notes provide structure, while Northern Brewer hops contribute minty, herbal, and slightly woody aromatics. Fermented with a lager yeast at warmer temperatures, the beer finishes clean and crisp while maintaining the character of an ale.
What’s Included in the Recipe Kit
This 5-gallon recipe kit includes all the ingredients needed to brew Steam Beer at home:
Briess 2-Row Base Malt
Briess Caramel 40L
Briess Special Roast
Briess Victory Malt
Northern Brewer Hops (bittering and flavor)
Liberty Hops (flameout)
Your choice of dry yeast or liquid yeast
Step-by-step brewing instructions
Note: You will need a 5-gallon all-grain brewing system. Brewing equipment is not included.
How the Brewing Process Works
Brewing your Steam Beer follows a traditional California Common brewing process:
Mash: Convert grain starches into fermentable sugars for a clean, crisp base.
Sparge: Rinse the grains to collect sweet wort.
Boil: Add Northern Brewer hops for bittering and flavor. Add Liberty hops at flameout for aroma.
Ferment: Ferment with hybrid lager yeast at ale temperatures for clean flavor development. Maintain 64-68 degrees F for best results.
Enjoy: Ready to drink in about 4 weeks
This all-grain Steam Beer delivers a crisp, balanced California Common with woody hop character and smooth lager-like drinkability without the need for cold fermentation.
New to Liquid Yeast?
Liquid yeast can deliver excellent fermentation performance and a wider range of strain options, but it’s a living, perishable product that requires a little extra care.
Liquid yeast may arrive warm. Ice packs help reduce heat exposure but do not guarantee cold arrival.
Refrigerate it when received and plan to brew as soon as possible.
We recommend adding an insulated mailer + ice pack to liquid yeast orders.
During May–September, dry yeast is strongly recommended due to higher shipping temperatures.
Liquid yeast is final sale and cannot be replaced due to heat exposure during transit.
All-grain brewers with a mash system or all-grain brewing equipment
Fans of classic American beer styles
Brewers interested in hybrid fermentation techniques
Drinkers who prefer clean, balanced, malt-forward beers
This batch is perfect for sharing with friends, pouring a historically inspired California Common that showcases classic American craft brewing.
Steam Beer Specs
Batch Size: 5 gallons
ABV: ~5.9%
Original Gravity: 1.057
Style: California Common (Steam Beer)
Bitterness: Moderate
Color: Light amber
Recommended Dry Yeast: American or Californian Lager Yeast (Mangrove Jack's M54)
Brewing Support, Anytime.
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Quality You Can Trust.
We use the same premium grains, hops & yeast trusted by the pros. No shortcuts. No substitutes. Just the good stuff.
The "We Got You" Guarantee.
We’re committed to your first batch being a great one. If something goes sideways, we’ll help you troubleshoot or replace what you need - fast.
Steam Beer - 5 Gallon All Grain Beer Recipe Kit
From $33.00
What You'll Brew
Steam Beer (California Common–Style Beer)
A crisp, amber California Common with subtle caramel malt flavor, minty and woody hop character, and a clean, dry finish. Fermented warm with a hybrid lager yeast, this beer delivers classic lager smoothness without the need for cold fermentation.
What's Inside the Steam Beer - 5 Gallon All Grain Beer Recipe Kit
This 5-gallon recipe kit includes all the ingredients needed to brew Steam Beer at home:
Briess 2-Row Base Malt
Briess Caramel 40L
Briess Special Roast
Briess Victory Malt
Northern Brewer Hops (bittering and flavor)
Liberty Hops (flameout)
Your choice of dry yeast or liquid yeast
Step-by-step brewing instructions
Note: You will need a 5-gallon all-grain brewing system. Brewing equipment is not included.
Make Your Next Batch with the Steam Beer Beer Recipe Kit
Brewing your own Steam Beer lets you experience one of America’s original craft beer styles. This kit shows how hybrid fermentation techniques create clean, balanced beer without advanced temperature control. Whether you’re new to homebrewing or exploring historic styles, this kit delivers a rewarding, hands-on brewing experience.
Easy Steps to Making Steam Beer Beer
Brewing 5 gallons of your favorite Steam Beer is more rewarding than ever with our Steam Beer 5 Gallon All Grain Beer Recipe Kit. With high-quality ingredients and simple steps, the process is straightforward and satisfying.
Make Your Beer Look As Good As It Tastes.
You brewed something worth showing off. Starting at $4.99, give your bottles the finishing touch with our beer labels. Perfect for sharing your latest batch, gifting a few, or stocking your fridge with pride. Shop matching labels
Before
After
Looking For Instructions?
Every all-grain kit comes with instructions to guide you through the brew day, fermentation and beyond. We provide recipe-specific tips tailored to your exact recipe, including mash temperature, fermentation timelines and more.
No. This is an ingredient-only recipe kit designed for brewers who already own a 5-gallon all-grain brewing setup.
What does Steam Beer taste like?
It has clean malt flavor with subtle caramel notes and woody, minty hop character from Northern Brewer hops.
Is this beer sweet?
No. Steam Beer is balanced and crisp rather than sweet, with a clean, dry finish.
How long does it take before it’s ready to drink?
Brew day takes about 4 to 5 hours. After about 2 weeks of fermentation, plus 2 weeks of bottle conditioning, your Steam Beer will be ready to drink in about 4 weeks total.
Is this recipe kit beginner-friendly?
This kit is intended for experienced brewers with all-grain equipment. If you are new to brewing, we recommend starting with one of our extract recipe kits.
Can I brew this year-round?
Yes. Steam Beer is available year-round and is a versatile, approachable style for any season.
Not an All-Grain Brewer? Try the Extract Steam Beer 5 Gallon Beer Recipe Kit
Our dry malt extract version of this recipe gives you the same classic Steam Beer flavor with a simpler process. Perfect if you’re just starting out or want a quicker brew.
