The Kentucky Common hasn’t been around long, but beer itself has been around since about 4,000 BC. Some even say there’s a strong possibility that it’s been in existence some 6,000 years prior to that.

 

Today, in the 21st century, there are almost 10,000 craft breweries in the U.S. And while we pride ourselves on innovation and unique aspirations when it comes to beer and its history, we are rarely the instigators of a style itself.

 

But we do come close when it comes to the cream ale, the Kentucky Common, and the California Common.

 

This is the Kentucky Common story.

 

By: Living a Stout Life

 

History of a Kentucky Common

Kentucky is known for The Bourbon Trail, but it was also once known for the Kentucky Common, an immensely drinkable and extremely affordable ale made for the common folk of Louisville, Kentucky.

 

European immigrants were making their way to Louisville in the mid-19th century, bringing along their desire for a beer after a hard day’s work. However, without modern day refrigeration and a warm climate, the ale they desired was hard to come by. So a new one was crafted.

 

This ale was fermented at a warmer temperature and didn’t require aging for long periods of time. In fact, it could go from brewery to consumer in one week. The low overhead and time-saving methods inevitably kept costs down, quickly becoming the drink of choice for those with less than desirable incomes.

 

Until Prohibition…that is.

 

The beer that once served the working class never quite made a comeback. 

 

Until now.

 

 

What exactly is a Kentucky Common?

About 150 some odd years after its conception, the Kentucky Common has found its way back. And this time around, it’s gone beyond Louisville. While its trajectory isn’t likely to head down the same road as an IPA for example, it isn’t uncommon to find a Kentucky common outside of Kentucky.

 

Today, the Kentucky Common is no longer hindered by lack of ice, nor by rumors of using a sour mash. (It was brewed in Kentucky. Kentucky is known for its whiskey. Distilling uses a sour mash.) However likely that may seem to be, evidence actually points to the contrary – that no intentional souring was performed.

 

So when it comes to brewing a Kentucky Common in the 21st century, we’ll refer to and trust the knowledge behind the BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) Guidelines:

 

“A clean, dry, refreshing, slightly malty dark beer with high carbonation. Mild-tasting, with light toast and caramel flavors, served very fresh as a sessionable saloon beer.”

 

Amber to brown in color, a Kentucky Common has a sweet malty flavor without much bitterness or after-taste. There should be no sour notes, just an easy drinking beer, one that can be drunk again and again.

 

 

MMC Knows Malts

And when it comes to malts for the Kentucky Common, there’s nothing common about Malteurop’s malts. They’re all exceptional, giving you the exact malts you need for your Kentucky Common (like our 2-Row base malt and Steamed C40 speciality malt). Which, by the way, is also nothing common!

 

“Malt should not be something that somebody has to worry about. That’s our job as maltsters. We produce something consistent and to specification every time and take that off of your plate.”  (Joel Grosser, Director of Operations for North America)

 

Premium grains from field to flavor.

 

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About Malteurop Malting Company (MMC)

Malteurop Malting Company (MMC) is based in North America – specializing in growing and producing quality malts for the beer, whiskey, and food processing industries. 

 

With local farms and Malthouses spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Malteurop’s commitment to excellence is fully ingrained into every batch it produces, ensuring businesses of any size can create the finest beverages and food products on the planet.

 

Visit www.malteuropmaltingco.com to learn how we can support your malting needs. 

 

Contact us at customersuccess@malteurop.com or (844) 546-MALT (6258) for questions or to place your order.

 

Malting is our passion. Quality is our promise.

 

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https://beerandbrewing.com/make-your-best-kentucky-common/

https://www.americancraftbeer.com/what-the-hell-is-a-kentucky-common-beer-2/

https://learn.kegerator.com/kentucky-common/