Steam Beer, AKA California Common

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There is only one Steam Beer. It’s been brewed and bottled since 1971 in San Francisco, CA by Anchor Brewing Company, a modern tribute to the Anchor Steam of the late 1800’s. Anchor trademarked Steam and protects it vigorously. Normally, that wouldn’t sit well with me, but Anchor is a legend, dating back to 1896. … Read more

Belgian Dubbel

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Our last post was about Tripel, one of Belgium’s best known beers. Dubbel is another one.  Like Tripels, Dubbel have their lineage in ancient monastic brewing traditions. Westmalle’s version dates back to the mid-1800s, about five years before the US Civil War, but the inspiration goes back to the Middle Ages. While several Dubbels are … Read more

Belgian Tripel

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The Tripel is one of Belgium’s best known beers. The roots of the style are in old monastic brewing traditions, but the style was first commercially sold as a “Tripel” by the Monks at Westmalle in 1956. Here’s an important note… Tripel is not necessarily Trappist. Trappist Ales are brewed by Trappist monks in Monasteries … Read more

Where Did All These Cans Come From?

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Last week while drafting my post about Gose, I realized it was the first time the two featured beers were both canned. There is no doubt canned beer has grown. Stop in any beer retailer and you’ll see more cans than ever before. Many give credit to Oskar Blues for kicking off craft beer in … Read more

However You Say it, Gose is Delicious

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Gose is a classic German wheat ale that dates back to the early 1700s. It was named for the Gose river that runs thru Saxony. Gose is a great style, regardless what this nitwit thinks. You’ll hear several pronunciations among beer fans, but the most traditional is “Goes-uh.” Say it like “rose,” then tack on … Read more