 Brigadier (791), Chagrin Falls, Ohio, USA
Oct 20, 2007 On tap at brewpub
The california common style is one that I find hard to pin down. I’ve only had a few. They are good but I’ve yet to find one that would make me want to explore the style more. In this case it happened to be on tap and easy to get so I decided it was worth a shot.
Aroma / Appearance - The bronze body had minimal carbonation and a half-finger off white head. The nose was slightly bitter with orange dipped chocolate and a subtle tea leaf base.
Flavor / Palate - Creamy vanilla is offset by iced tea, caramel and malts. A light bitter aftertaste completes the experience. This was the first beer that really had an emphatic finish; it was not strong but there was something there. It felt a bit warm for 4.6% but not too intense. Overall this was a solid beer in a style that I just can’t get too excited about.
Cornfield (4223), Oak Lawn, Illinois, USA
Sep 23, 2007 The body is a golden amber and the off-white head is frothy and busy making lace. In the aroma a pale sweet malt is complemented by apples, pears, and a sturdy citric tang. The flavor has a blending of yellow and pink grapefruit that counter the smooth malty sweetness. Nicely done. <font size=-4> Carlyle Brewing Company, Rockford, IL<font size=-1>
gws57 (922), Saint Charles, Illinois, USA
Sep 23, 2007 Had this one on draught as part of a sampler flight at the brewpub in Rockford, Illinois. Medium reddish gold pour with a foamy tan head, lots of citrusy hops and grapefruit throughout, dry finish. An outstanding brew.
boto (1178), Granby, Connecticut, USA
Dec 28, 2005 Draught @ Brewpub: This one pours a fairly clear darker amber/golden color. It had a big off-white head with lots of lacing. There is a faint whiff of grapefruit and sour malts to the nose. The taste is fairly typical of this style. It was slightly sour with hints of fruit. This was a decent example of the beer.
JMerritt (1089), Macomb, Illinois, USA
Oct 24, 2005 On tap at the brewpub. Copper colored with a massive light-tan head that is fully lasting. Spicy hop aroma, lots of pine needles, sticky pine resin, grapefruit rind. A decent hop bitterness initially, not too strong, but rather tart and grapefruity. A slight mineral flavor in the finish, almost like calcium - not sure what that is. A dry, slightly fruity finish with more resin and pine. Very good.
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