This Steam Beer 5 Gallon Beer Recipe Kit helps you brew a classic California Common with clean malt character and woody hop flavor, ready to drink in about four weeks.
Makes 5 gallons (approximately 48–54 bottles) of Steam Beer
Ready to drink in about 4 weeks
California Common (Steam Beer)
A 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:
6.25 lb Pilsen Dry Malt Extract
Northern Brewer (Bittering) Hop Packet
Northern Brewer (Flavor) Hop Packet
Liberty (Flameout) Hop Packet
Steeping Grains
Grain Steeping Bag
Your choice of yeast (dry yeast, liquid yeast, or no yeast if you have your own)
Note: Brewing equipment is not included. This kit is designed for brewers who already own a 5-gallon brewing setup.
How the Brewing Process Works
Brewing your Steam Beer follows a traditional California Common brewing process:
Brew: Steep specialty grains, boil the wort, and add hops according to the recipe
Ferment: Ferment with hybrid lager yeast at ale temperatures for clean flavor development
Enjoy: Ready to drink in about 4 weeks
Maintaining fermentation temperatures between 64–68°F helps the yeast produce a smooth, lager-like profile without extended cold conditioning.
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.
Homebrewers interested in hybrid fermentation techniques
Drinkers who prefer clean, balanced beers
Because it’s brewed in larger volume, this kit allows you to refine fermentation control while producing a highly drinkable, historically inspired beer.
Steam Beer Specs
Batch Size: 5 gallons
ABV: ~5.9%
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 Beer Recipe Kit
From $42.00
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 Beer Recipe Kit
This 5-gallon recipe kit includes all the ingredients needed to brew Steam Beer at home:
6.25 lb Pilsen Dry Malt Extract
Northern Brewer (Bittering) Hop Packet
Northern Brewer (Flavor) Hop Packet
Liberty (Flameout) Hop Packet
Steeping Grains
Grain Steeping Bag
Your choice of yeast (dry yeast, liquid yeast, or no yeast if you have your own)
Note: Brewing equipment is not included. This kit is designed for brewers who already own a 5-gallon brewing setup.
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
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
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Want Extra Guidance? We've Got You Covered.
New to homebrewing or want extra confidence on brew day? Our Guide to Craft Brewing walks you through every step of the process—from brewing and fermentation to bottling and conditioning. It’s written in plain language and designed to help you brew great beer on your very first batch.
