2017 July HBOY Mini Comp | California Common

It is encouraging to see so many of our members accepted the challenge to brew for the July competition that BYOB sold out of California common ale yeast. I can’t wait to judge your entries. In the meantime, I’ll be sure to review the commercial examples: Anchor Steam, Flying Dog Old Scratch Amber Lager, Schlafly Pi Common, and Steamworks Steam Engine Lager.

ASH mini-comps are for members only. Entries are due by July 18 at the July general meeting at Press Coffee. To sign up to judge, contact mini-comp organizer Danielle Schanke.

19B. California Common

  • Overall Impression: A lightly fruity beer with firm, grainy maltiness, interesting toasty and caramel flavors, and showcasing rustic, traditional American hop characteristics.
  • Style Comparison: Superficially similar to an American Amber Ale, but with specific choices for malt and hopping – the hop flavor/aroma is traditional (not modern) American hops, malt flavors are more toasty, the hopping is always assertive, and a warm-fermented lager yeast is used. Less attenuated, less carbonated and less fruity than Australian Sparkling ale.

HBOY Mini-comp Entry Rules

  • Must be an ASH member
  • Free to enter
  • Must rubber-band a completed Bottle ID form to two (2) bottles [One bottle is OK for this competition, but two is preferred.]
  • Bottles should be clean and not have any identifying marks on the cap/bottle or any label other than the Bottle ID form.
  • You may enter up to one beer per sub-category
  • Must drop off at the general meeting of the month the competition is held.
  • Questions: Please contact Krystal Bittner at [email protected]

Read more about our ASH member-only competitions