Brewery – West Side
Beer – Common Ale
Style – Blonde Ale
ABV – 4.7%
IBUs – 21
Clean, crisp, and refreshing. A slightly sweet, lightly malty aroma fades into a dry, snappy finish. The perfect beer for those looking for lighter, more delicate flavors.
When West Side Brewing company was looking to open their doors, they made it a point to let people know that they were going to be trying to create a brewery that anyone could enjoy themselves in. I heard it referred to as “the common man’s brewery”. They didn’t want folks who might be intimidated or not as into the big, giant, hoppy IPAs or Sour beers to feel like they wouldn’t find a beer they enjoyed in the taproom. That’s where West Side Brewing’s Common Ale comes in.
There are plenty of breweries who have a flagship blonde ale, you almost expect to see one on the tap list of any brewery that you walk into – but the choice to label it as a “common ale” and to push it out front and center from day one was a very smart choice. It’s not a surprise then, that this was one of the first cans that they brewery released when they started canning their beer in the summer of 2018. The beer is great for anyone who wants something “light, crisp, clean and refreshing” as well as for people who might not be as into the more challenging beer styles that proliferate the fridges of beer geeks.
A common beer, for the every person.
As always, for more information about this beer, or West Side Brewery, you can hit up their website or social media – of course, there’s always plenty here on the website too!
My Thoughts On West Side’s Common Ale
In the glass the beer looks… well… like a common beer. It’s golden yellow with a big, bubbly white head on top.
Aromas hit all the right notes, it’s got a touch of fruity hops with a grainy, bready malt note.
The fizzy body leads way into a strong maltiness that support the big fruity and floral hops that sit on top. Approachable, yes… but not boring in the slightest. This beer has a welcome spot in my fridge anytime.
