Home Brew: California Common

I brewed a generic "California Common" a couple months ago. I don't think it went well, as outside temps dropped rather significantly the day it went in the fermenter. And I didn't really pay attention to the temp of the keg. Krausen formation wasn't very strong, and seemed to have a lot more "particulate" floating about during my samples from the fermenter.

I bottled it last month, and it just sorta tasted weird. But i wanted to wait a month to if it changes in the bottle. So here goes:

It looks great. Lovely thick head, nice color, nice carbonation, and pretty damn clear. Aroma is a little funky. Not like inside a sweaty boot funky, just a little grainy and thick smelling. Surprisingly, it taste ok. Not great, but maybe a solid 3 out of 5. WAY better than it did during sampling and bottling. Good mouthfeel too, with a nice malty aftertaste.

Edit: It is better when warmer. Smooth and malty. Maybe a 3.5/5 on the score.

Recipe Characteristics

Batch Size 2.3gal

1.060 OG Estimated

1.015 FG

Bitterness 33 IBU

Alcohol by Volume 5.8%

Recipe Color 21° SRM

Alcohol by Weight 4.6%

Ingredients

0.50 lb Crystal 20L Grain Mashed

0.50 lb Crystal 90L Grain Mashed

0.70 lb Molasses Sugar Other

1.21 lb MrB. Octoberfest Vienna Lager Extract Extract

1.50 lb Two-row (US) Grain Mashed

0.50 oz Centennial Whole 30 minutes

0.50 oz Cascade Whole 15 minutes

0.50 oz Crystal Whole 5 minutes

1.00 unit Irish Moss Fining 1/2 tsp

1.00 unit Mr. Beer Dry Ale Yeast Yeast Temperature Range: 68°-76° F 2.0 GRAMS

C'