Common Beer was the term used before Prohibition to describe a number of fresh, unaged, highly carbonated ales served mostly in the central United States.
Types of Common Beer
Cream Ale
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Cream Ale was the most widespread form of common beer, and the only one that survives today.
Kentucky Common
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The beer referred to as Kentucky Common by some brewing references was actually referred to locally as simply "common beer" or "dark cream".
California Common
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The term "California Common" was coined in modern usage by the Anchor Brewing Company to give other brewers an alternative to "Steam Beer," on which they claim an exclusive trademark. In fact, before Prohibition the style was generally referred to simply as Steam Beer.
