Brewmaster Edition #99 - "1849" - June 2026

🪙 California Common – a tribute to the Gold Rush in a can and in taste

Why this beer style? The California Common uses a special bottom-fermenting yeast that ferments at warmer temperatures. This created a beer in the 1850s that tastes estery and fruity, yet comes with a distinct malt body and a pronounced bitterness. Bottom-fermented beers were new at the time, often shaped by German brewers in the USA. This created a hybrid of top-fermented ales and bottom-fermented lagers – often also called Steam Beer, as the wort cooled unattended in open basins, creating a lot of steam.

What is special about the recipe? The blend of Pilsner, Munich, and roasted malts provides a clear malt base with a tart, fresh hop note. The use of US lager yeast results in an approachable, bitter-sharp style that is perfect as a companion to BBQ, snacks, or as an after-work beer.

How does it taste? Refreshing, drinkable, herbaceous-hoppy with a fruity undertone and a distinctly throaty-spicy finish. A bridge between the past and modern craft beer enjoyment.

Who is it suitable for? Ideal for lovers of historical beer styles, barbecues, picnics, or simply as a stylish drink after a long day.

Technical key data (brief): Malts: Pilsner, Munich, Roasted Malt; Hops: Simcoe; Yeast: US Lager Yeast; Alcohol approx. 5.5% ABV;

Design: In the golden dust of the Wild West, a pioneer rises – strong in bite, with tart freshness. Since 1849, history has been drunk; every sip of this beer saves the day.