Flying Dog Old Scratch Amber Lager
Every once in a while the post office honors me with a home brewing supply catalog, instead of the usual junk mail I get stuck in the old mail box. Inside this new gem I usually find a section at the back that lists the beers you should be brewing now to have them ready for there typical season. If winter is six months away it’s probably time to start thinking about that Winter Ale you wanted to brew. October bring the mass of Pumpkin Ales out into the market, and summer hails the refreshing summer lagers and wheat beers. But it just so happens that this time I am looking through the styles I happen upon a beer kit labeled the California Common.
Not to much information was listed about the style but a brief statement saying it was an ale that was lightly hopped and fermented using a higher temp lager yeast. So being the home brewer I am, I go to research this style and find out if there are any commercial examples of the California Common. According the to BJCP style guidelines, a California Common is an American original to the West Coast, with a medium-body and a malty toasty character. There were two commercial examples listed, Anchor Steam and Flying Dog Old Scratch Amber Lager. I have had Anchor Steam back when I was in California, so I set out to find something new in Old Scratch Amber Lager.
Old Scratch was a spot on representation by definition of the California Common. Amber color with an off white head poured out in a glass. A nice carmel malt flavor is the backbone of the body but was light enough to allow the flavor of the hops to come through without overwhelming your taste buds. The finish is not too dry but did have the crispness I expect in a good lager.
My overall impression of Old Scratch was this is a beer to give to a new craft beer drinker. A “Gateway” bottle to the land of interesting ales and hoppy beers. I wouldn’t hesitate buying a six pack of Old Scratch for a party, and I would do so without fear of someone taking a single sip and dumping the rest in some fern in a corner. That’s why I gave this one a solid 7 out of 10 because it is a great example of the California Common style and a great balanced beer. Don’t worry my Coor Light drinking friends, you too will find something special in this Common american bred style.
pro Beer quod Clementia!
28 Jul 2010, 8:44 am
A book you might want to pick up at some point is, “The Naked Pint: An Unadulterated Guide to Craft Beer” it’s offers a great breakdown of each style of beer, including the Cali Common…..it and “Brewing Classic Styles” are usually where I start when planning my next batch….
28 Jul 2010, 9:38 pm
Thanks for the recommendation. So many good books out there and so little money after buying beer. What is a good point is very few people drink beer to a style, most are brand oriented. I really only started drinking out of curiosity when brewing my own beer. Then after finding some styles I enjoyed expanded from there. I think we will add a section for book recommendations. Keep them coming.