Mike is diving back into a beer style that’s a bit off the beaten path: the Kentucky Common. You may remember he brewed this one a while ago, and then he brewed it again. Now, we’re giving it another go.

Kentucky Common is one of those lesser-known beer styles that may not get the same attention as others, but it’s perfect for keeping things fresh as a homebrewer. With Fall coming around, it’s a great time to revisit this dark and easy-drinking brew. Let’s talk through the recipe and our tasting notes.

Third Try!

Third Try Kentucky Common Recipe

Here’s the latest version of Mike’s Kentucky Common beer. This recipe is for a 3.5 US Gallon batch.

Ingredients:

Grain Bill:

  • 4.75 lbs American Two-Row Malt (Base Malt)
  • 1.5 lbs Flaked Corn
  • 5 oz Crystal 40 Malt (Note: We suspect this might be a darker malt, potentially Crystal 60 or even 80)
  • 3 oz Midnight Wheat (for color adjustment)

Hops:

  • 1 oz Liberty Hops (5% AA) – at 60 minutes (Bittering)
  • 0.5 oz Liberty Hops – at 10 minutes (Flavor)

Yeast:

  • NovaLager yeast (or any clean fermenting lager yeast)

Process:

Mash the grains at 154°F (68°C) for 60 minutes. Boil for 60 minutes. Ferment at around 68°F (20°C) for 18-20 days.

Outcomes:

Starting Gravity (SG): 1.057
Final Gravity (FG): 1.016
ABV: around 5.5%

The Third Try Tasting

Appearance-wise, this Kentucky Common has a deep brown color with red highlights and a slightly off-white head. The aroma offers a nice mix of caramel from the malt and a hint of corn, but the hops are more muted, hidden behind the darker malts. Flavor-wise, the beer starts with a caramel malt backbone, and the corn helps to dry it out, creating a nice interplay of grainy flavors. The Liberty hops are subtle, with just a light herbal note that adds a bit of complexity. Overall, it’s smooth, easy to drink, and the higher final gravity gives it a bit more body, making it perfect for the cooler weather ahead.

This version of the Kentucky Common really hit the spot. It’s a style that not many people brew, but if you’re looking for something different to try this fall, this one is worth it. With its balanced malt profile and clean finish, it’s an easy-drinker that pairs well with the season. If you haven’t brewed a Kentucky Common yet, give it a shot!

BREW ON!