“Californian common, northern brewer hops, dry bitter and balanced.” 

Glassware: American pint.

Appearance: Darker than we’d expected. Pours a deep amber hue with a sturdy two finger crown. Good retention and a smattering of lace is left on the glass as it recedes.

Aroma: Typically, a funky sour would be left-field for most breweries. Not for these guys though, as one of Australia’s leading sour breweries a Steam Ale is left-field for them! We’re intrigued here as it’s producing a pretty hefty toffee malt quality but still sticking to tradition with a crisp Lager-esque dryness. Further hints of mixed berries, pine forest/forest floor, sappy resin and herbals in support.

Flavour: The old California Common is such an underappreciated style. For those unfamiliar with them they’re basically Lagers fermented at Ale temperatures (warm), so there’s this really cool cross point where crisp Lager meets more complex Ale and the combo displays toffee, spice, pine resin, wilted herbs and nutty and toasty malt notes to finish. Good length on it too…goes for days.

Mouthfeel: Interesting. Feels chewy but it’s light and crisp with mild-moderate body and the 4.8% ABV is spot on.

Overall: Very clever from DB. We were not expecting this from them at all. The best thing about it is they absolutely nailed it! Very enjoyable.