California Common

California Common Beer Aroma: May have a pronounced woody or rustic hop aroma (as from Northern Brewer, for example). Restrained fruitiness. May have a moderate toasted malt aroma. Diacetyl low to none. Appearance: Dark gold to copper to medium amber. Flavor: Malty, balanced with a pronounced hop bitterness. Rustic/woody (e.g., Northern Brewer) hop flavor medium to none. May have a toasted (not roasted) malt flavor. Balance is generally about even between malt and hops. Diacetyl low to none. Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied. Medium to medium-high carbonation. Overall Impression: A beer with solid malt and hop expression, only mildly fruity and having woody/rustic hop character. History: American West Coast original. Large shallow fermenters are used. Originally, in the absence of handy ice or refrigeration, the locally cool ambient temperatures of the San Francisco peninsula led to a beer that was fermented with lager yeast, but at temperatures that were at the cool end of the ale temperature range. Comments: Similar to American pale ale, although typically less fruity. Hop flavor/aroma is woody rather than citrusy, although a slightly citrusy character has been noted by some in a commercial example back in the mid-1980s. Golden-amber color with moderate bitterness and malt-hop aroma. Includes: 6 lbs. Light and Amber, 2 oz. Northern Brewer hop pellets, and dry ale yeast. Lower fermentation temps produce less fruity esters. Approx alc. 4.5% a.b.v.