All Beer Styles

Kentucky Common

Historical BeerBJCP 27A2

Difficulty: Easy

Historic American dark cream ale with corn

A darker-colored, light-flavored, malt-accented beer with a dry finish and interesting character malt flavors.

4-5.5%
ABV
15-30
IBU
22-38
EBC
2.2-2.6
CO₂ vol
1.044-1.055
Original Gravity (OG)
1.01-1.018
Final Gravity (FG)

How to Brew a Kentucky Common

Typical Malts

  • Pale Ale or Pilsner malt
  • Corn

Typical Hops

  • Style-appropriate hops

Yeast

Ale yeast (e.g. US-05, S-04)

Style Requirements

Typical Flavors

malty
corn
caramel
grainy
dry

FAQ about Kentucky Common

What is a Kentucky Common?

A darker-colored, light-flavored, malt-accented beer with a dry finish and interesting character malt flavors.

How much alcohol does a Kentucky Common have?

A Kentucky Common typically has 4–5.5% ABV. Original gravity ranges from 1.044–1.055, final gravity from 1.01–1.018.

How bitter is a Kentucky Common?

A Kentucky Common has 15–30 IBU (International Bitterness Units). This is moderate bitterness.

What ingredients do you need for a Kentucky Common?

Typical malts: Pale Ale or Pilsner malt, Corn. Typical hops: Style-appropriate hops. Yeast: Ale yeast (e.g. US-05, S-04).

Do you need special equipment for a Kentucky Common?

A Kentucky Common can be brewed with standard equipment (pot or all-in-one system). Fermentation temperature: 18–24°C (64–75°F).

Brew a Kentucky Common?

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