Common Californication

Fermentables

Hops

Non-Fermentables

Fermentation and Aging

General Info

This is the second attempt at a California Common for me. Based upon the success of the previous batch, I thought that this would be the perfect summer sipper. Malty with a nice hop flavor and just the right amount of bitterness.

This time, I increased the hop amounts to boost the bitterness up to within style. The last time, the beer was a bit on the sweet side, although it was very good. To fit into this style, the bitterness needed to be between 30 and 45 IBUs. It stands at 36.

To complement the added hops, I increased the specialty grains a tad and added some German Light Munich to lend some body with nod towards European amber ales.

White Labs’ San Francisco Lager yeast was used this time instead of the California Ale. According to White Labs, this strain "is used to produce the ’California Common’ style beer. A unique lager strain which has the ability to ferment up to 65 degrees while retaining lager characteristics."

Procedure

• Steep grains in 1.5 gallons of 160 degree water for 30 minutes
• Sparge with .5 gallon of 168 degree water
• Bring to boil
• Add extract
• Add first round of Northern Brewer hops immediately (bittering)
• Add the second round of Northern Brewer hops at 45 minutes (flavor)
• Add the third round of Northern Brewer hops at 57 minutes (aroma)
• Cool wort to 70 degrees
• Pitch yeast