Half Day Open Sky 4Pk

Half Day Open Sky 4Pk is a California Common-style beer from Half Day Brewing Company in Lincolnshire, Illinois, sold in a convenient four-pack. Rooted in the steam beer tradition — where shallow, open-air fermenters once sent plumes of steam skyward before modern refrigeration — this brew brings a historic American style to the Midwest craft scene.

Quick Facts: Style: California Common  |  Origin: Lincolnshire, Illinois  |  Brewery: Half Day Brewing Company  |  Format: 4-Pack

Production & Heritage

Half Day Brewing Company operates out of Lincolnshire, Illinois, drawing on quality Midwest ingredients. Open Sky takes its inspiration from the California Common style — a uniquely American beer tradition born in the era before mechanical refrigeration, when lager yeast was fermented at warmer temperatures in shallow, open-air vessels. The name itself nods to that history, evoking the steam that once filled the sky above those early breweries.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Light, clean malt leads the nose with gentle grain sweetness. Subtle hop character rounds out the aroma without dominating.

Taste: The palate is light-bodied with a touch of malt sweetness on entry. Mid-palate, mild hop bitterness provides balance, keeping things crisp and clean. The overall impression is smooth and highly drinkable.

Finish: Dry and refreshing, tapering off cleanly without lingering heaviness. A subtle malt echo stays briefly before a crisp close.

How to Drink Open Sky

Open Sky is best enjoyed cold, straight from the can or poured into a pint glass to appreciate its clarity and carbonation. Its clean, approachable profile also makes it a capable ingredient behind the bar.

• Michelada: The dry, malt-forward body holds up well against tomato juice, lime, and hot sauce without turning watery.
• Beer Margarita (Beergarita): Open Sky's crisp finish blends naturally with frozen margarita mix for a lighter twist on the classic.
• Shandy: Mix with fresh lemonade for a sessionable warm-weather refresher — the subtle malt sweetness complements citrus without clashing.

Best For

• Backyard cookouts and casual outdoor gatherings
• Introducing craft beer fans to the California Common style
• Pairing with grilled foods on a summer afternoon
• Stocking a fridge for game day with something beyond standard lagers

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Open Sky taste like? Open Sky delivers light malt sweetness balanced by subtle hops, finishing dry and crisp. It is clean, smooth, and refreshing — a highly sessionable beer.

How does Open Sky compare to Anchor Steam? Both are California Common-style beers, and multiple reviewers on Untappd have noted a resemblance between the two. Open Sky leans slightly lighter and crisper, while Anchor Steam — the benchmark for the style from San Francisco's Anchor Brewing — tends toward a fuller, more caramel-forward malt character.

Is Open Sky good for craft beer beginners? Yes — its light body, clean flavor, and approachable malt-hop balance make it an easy entry point for anyone transitioning from mainstream lagers into craft styles.

Where is Open Sky made? Open Sky is brewed by Half Day Brewing Company in Lincolnshire, Illinois, a northern suburb of Chicago. The brewery emphasizes the use of quality Midwest-sourced ingredients.

What foods pair well with Open Sky? Grilled burgers and brats match the toasty malt character. Fish tacos benefit from the beer's dry, crisp finish. Roasted chicken works alongside the subtle sweetness. Sharp cheddar provides a savory contrast to the clean palate. Soft pretzels with mustard echo the bread-like malt backbone.

What sizes does Open Sky come in? Open Sky is available in a four-pack format, which is the standard offering from Half Day Brewing Company for this beer.

Is Open Sky worth the price? Open Sky positions as a craft-priced four-pack from an independent Illinois brewery. For drinkers curious about the California Common style or looking for a lighter, more characterful alternative to mainstream lagers, it represents solid value within the Midwest craft landscape.

Why Open Sky?

The California Common style occupies a narrow but fascinating lane in American brewing history, and relatively few craft breweries produce one as a core offering. Half Day's Open Sky gives Midwest drinkers access to a style once defined by West Coast geography and improvisation. With a 3.5-out-of-5 rating across nearly 1,400 reviews on Untappd, it has quietly built a following among fans of approachable, easy-drinking beer with genuine style roots. For anyone who values drinkability without sacrificing character, Open Sky delivers exactly what its steam beer heritage promises.