Fullsteam Brewing Common Good
I didn’t know much of the Kentucky Common when I bought this version produced by Fullsteam Brewing. In fact, it took a good bit of research and recently a few passages in Stan Hieronymus’ latest book, Local Beer, to enlighten me on the history of the style. Common Good attempts to recreate a style of beer that was brewed prior to Prohibition.
Using 96% local ingredients, Fullsteam employed a mixture of barley, rye and corn in the malt bill prior to adding Sour-mash lactobacillus. Fuggle hops don’t really impart much of an bite, but do provide a touch of grassy character. Common Good does present a good bit of sour tartness, but is a relatively shy beer overall when compared to many modern-day sour style beers. The beer takes a while to come out of its shell and fully share what it has to offer.
It’s always interesting to sample a beer like Common Good. Fullsteam has done their best to keep the beer completely local sourced and brewed while also keeping true to the original intent of the beer. This beer won’t be for everyone, but I’d still recommend it as an opportunity to sample a style of beer that is wholly American in terms of origin.