27. Specialty

Historical Beer: Kentucky Common

Historical Beer: Kentucky Common beer style — watercolor illustration
OG 1.044-1.055
FG 1.010-1.018
IBU 15-30
SRM
15.5 Brown
ABV 4.75%

Description

A darker-colored, light-flavored, malt-accented beer with a dry finish and interesting character malt flavors. Refreshing and sessionable. A pre-Prohibition American style.

Aroma

Low to moderate corn, caramel, and toasty malt aroma with a light lactic sourness. Very low hop aroma. Clean fermentation character. Historically interesting pre-Prohibition American profile.

Appearance

Dark amber to light brown, 11-20 SRM. Clear. Tan to off-white head with moderate retention.

Flavor

Low to moderate caramel and toasty malt flavor. Slight corn adjunct note. Low to moderate hop bitterness. Low lactic tartness. Dry to semi-dry finish. Historically interesting pre-Prohibition profile.

Mouthfeel

Light to medium body with moderate carbonation. Smooth and refreshing. Slight tartness adds liveliness.

History

A pre-Prohibition American ale style popular in Kentucky and Ohio in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Brewed to be inexpensive and quickly produced using corn grits and a short fermentation. Virtually extinct by Prohibition and not revived commercially. Represents an important but forgotten chapter of American brewing history.

Commercial Examples

Apocalypse Brew Works Kentucky Common Falls City Beer Kentucky Common Against the Grain Kentucky Common

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Historical Beer: Kentucky Common beer?
Kentucky Common — a pre-Prohibition American dark cream ale from Louisville. Style guide.
What is the ABV of Historical Beer: Kentucky Common?
Historical Beer: Kentucky Common has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.0-5.5%.
How bitter is Historical Beer: Kentucky Common beer?
Historical Beer: Kentucky Common measures 15-30 IBU (International Bitterness Units).
What are some examples of Historical Beer: Kentucky Common beers?
Apocalypse Brew Works Kentucky Common, Falls City Beer Kentucky Common, Against the Grain Kentucky Common

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