Steam beer is a unique and flavorful style of beer that has been around since the late 19th century. It is made by fermenting lager yeasts at warmer ale yeast fermentation temperatures, resulting in a highly effervescent beer with a toasty, grainy, lightly nutty malt profile. The bready element and complex, smooth malt sweetness make this an enjoyable beer for many people.
The name “steam” comes from the amount of pressure the beer has in trade packages due to its high effervescence. This type of beer is largely consumed throughout California and can be found in many craft breweries around the world.
Brewers have also found another benefit to using steam beer: shorter boil times and less energy input. This is due to the internal calandria that increases evaporation rate and movement of wort in the kettle durng the brewing process.
When it comes to food pairings, steam beers go well with savory dishes such as roasted chicken or grilled steak. It also pairs nicely with cheese-based dishes like macaroni and cheese or pizza. For desert pairings, this style of beer complements fruit-based desserts such as apple pie or cherry cobbler.
If you're looking for an interesting and tasty brew that's full of flavor, steam beer should definitely be on your list! Its unique characteristics make it stand out among other types of beers and it pairs nicely with various types of food. Give it a try today!
What Is the Definition of a Steam Style Beer?
Steam beer, also known as California common, is a style of beer that originated in the United States during the 19th century. It is made using lager yeast that is fermented at warmer temperatures more commonly associated with ale fermentation. This results in a highly effervescent beer that has an assertive hop character and a rich, malty flavor. Steam beer can range in color from light to dark and is typically characterized by its crisp, clean finish.
What is the Origin of the Name ‘Steam Beer'?
Steam beer is so-named because of its highly effervescent nature and the pressure that develops in the trade packages. When packaged, the beer undergoes a secondary fermentation process in which yeast consuming sugar produces carbon dioxide gas. This gas is trapped in the container, resulting in high levels of internal pressure and visible bubbles on the surface of the beer. The name “steam” is derived from this phenomenon, reflecting both its effervescence and its pressure.
The Taste of Steam Beer
Steam beer has a distinct toasty, grainy, and lightly nutty malt profile. There is also a bready element in there that helps create a complex and smooth malt sweetness. The beer finishes with a light bitterness that helps balance out the other flavors.
Source: marketwatch.com
Conclusion
In conclusion, steam beer is a highly effervescent style of beer that has become popular in the state of California. It has a toasty, grainy, and lightly nutty malt profile with a bready element and complex yet smooth malt sweetness. There is light bitterness in the finish, and when brewed with a steam calandria, it can increase evaporation rate and reduce energy input. All in all, steam beer is an interesting and unique style of beer that brings complexity and flavor to any brew day.
