BJCP 2021 / 19B
California Common
A toasty, hoppy lager-ale hybrid with a woody hop and a crisp finish.
- Drink fresh
- standard strength
- amber color
- bottom fermented
- north america
Serve: 44 to 50F, Pint
OG1.120
1.048 to 1.054FG1.030
1.011 to 1.014IBU120
30 to 45SRM40
9 to 14ABV14%
4.5 to 5.5%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Toasty and caramel malt
- Woody, minty or earthy hop
- Faint fruit from warm lager fermentation
- Vague
- Malty
- Better
- Toasty malt and woody hop
- Best
- Moderate toasted bread and caramel with low woody and minty hop, light fruity ester
Appearance
3 pts- Light amber to copper
- Bright
- Off-white head
- Vague
- Amber
- Better
- Copper and bright
- Best
- Light amber to copper, bright, off-white head with good retention
Flavor
20 pts- Toast and caramel malt
- Woody, minty or earthy hop
- Medium-high bitterness, dry finish
- Vague
- Hoppy
- Better
- Toasty malt with woody hop
- Best
- Moderate toasted bread and caramel malt, moderate woody and earthy hop flavor, firm bitterness, dry finish
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Medium-light to medium body
- Medium to high carbonation
- Crisp
- Vague
- Crisp
- Better
- Medium body, crisp and lively
- Best
- Medium-light to medium body, crisp, medium to high carbonation
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Woody hop with toasty malt
- Dry finish
Drops it
- Sweet caramel
- Heavy fruit
Writing tip
Name the hop. Example: 'Toasty malt with woody, minty hop and firm bitterness. Crisp and clean for a warm fermentation.'
Pour these
- Anchor SteamAnchor BrewingThe reference. The brewery closed in 2023, so check for current bottles
- Old Scratch Amber LagerFlying DogToasty and firm, a US take
Often confused with
- 7A Vienna LagerVienna Lager has noble hops and no woody mint
- 19A American Amber AleAmerican Amber Ale has citrus hops and clean ale yeast
Fine here
- Estery: A trace of fruit is natural from warm lager yeast
Ruinous here
- Diacetyl: Butter
- Oxidized: Stale
- Sulfur: Eggy
Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.