Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Sierra Nevada - Best of Beer Camp 2011 - California Common

Purchased From: Harvest Fine Wines & Spirits
Serving Type: 12 oz. bottle, poured into a mug

First on the list from the Beer Camp variety pack is the Camp #8 California Common. The style is an interesting and fairly rare style native to the state. Otherwise known as Steam Beer, that title is actually trademarked by San Francisco-based Anchor Brewing Company.

The beer pours a crystal clear light amber with a moderate amount of rising carbonation. Colored off-white, the healthy-sized head is a light and airy foam. The nose is slightly herbal with a spiciness and a moderate vanilla essence. With the edge of a nose of a witbier the aroma features a dustiness on top of the prominent sweet malt character.

Bitter dry dandelion is up front and throughout the beer. Floral bitterness is pervasive and adds to this beer's very body and distinctive flavor. Toasted malts dominate the body and yield only to a tinge of alcohol. The slight fusel heat on the finish blends with and seemingly magnifies the beer's floral notes.

Final Verdict: A-

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