Brew Day: Southerly Steamer

A cool southerly greeted the first all-grain brew at Wigtoft Villa, a Californian Common (aka Steam Beer) brewed by Brendon and Stu - the Liberty brew team.

The recipe utilised pale malt, a touch each of crystal and maris otter, plus fresh Sauvin and Pacific Hallertau hops, direct from the Motueka hop harvest. Wyeast's Bohemian lager yeast was fermented at ale temperatures, in the Californian Steam style. The resulting "ale" is a fruity, mildly bitter, California Common (aka Steam Beer).

The finished product, which has just been bottled, looks a little hazy but initial tastings seem very drinkable - good pale ale sweetness, soft esters, a creamy mouthfeel, and a fruity mild bitterness. Seems like a perfect beer for a warm spring afternoon, though I doubt it will last that long!