Valley Malt
Russian River Brewing Company

 

I had this on tap at Russian River in Santa Rosa, then in cans purchased there. It's called "Valley Malt Collaboration" on the website and menu which explain that the style is California Common. However, "California Common" is emblazoned across the can label, which in smaller writing states that it is a collaboration with Valley Malt, using exclusively the latter's malt.

This is an excellent beer and a great California Common, albeit on the lighter side for the style. Deep gold, it has a large white head steadily shrinking to a lasting thin foamy top. Aroma is lots of green grass, dry hay, and grain. Taste has the same elements, with light hint of fruitiness, light sweetness supporting a slightly dominant, zesty, wet-green-grass bitterness that starts to take over just before the finish but then backs off before becoming too much. This is very nice and character. Feel is lively, although I detect a faint hint of oiliness lurking underneath.