Widmer Brothers Columbia Common

"The California Common, or Steam Beer, is a unique 100% American style lager. It's usually brewed with a special strain of lager yeast that works better at warmer temperatures. This method dates back to the late 1800's in California when refrigeration was a great luxury. The brewers back then had to improvise to cool the beer down, so shallow fermenters were used. So in a way the lager yeast was trained to ferment quicker at warmer temperatures. Today's examples are light amber to tawny in color, medium bodied with a malty character. Mildly fruity with an assertive hop bitterness. 

Anchor Brewing Co. trademarked the term "Steam Beer" and as such all other beers must be legally referred to as "California Common." from the Beer Advocate web site

Cracked open a Widmer Brothers common tonight after a tough night of house cleaning on the first day of vacation. It poured a clear coppery color, with a minimal head. Pretty well carbonated. There's a flavor evocative of rye toast, and maybe a little apple. Pretty good session beer; you don't see too many steam beers out there - somebody should make more!