The Citizen
This beer was my introduction to Rancho Santa Margarita brewer Cismontane at BAM this past weekend. It’s their version of a “California Common” or “Steam Beer” The easiest way to explain this is it’s a completely warm brewing process perfected during the gold rush when ice and cold water were scarce in California. And you’ve had it before if you’ve ever had an Anchor Steam beer as they’re credited with the modern Steam beer movement. The Citizen may be brewed like an Anchor Steam but the similarity ends there. This is a light, citrusy, crisp Pale Ale with pronounced orange and floral flavors accompanied by a slight hoppy taste. This would be a good beer to accompany a light summer meal.
ABV: 6%
IBU: 45
Buckwheat Oktoberfest
This seasonal beer stood out from the myriad of Oktoberfests present at BAM thanks to its California Buckwheat flavor. This isn’t a spice beer or a malty brew, it’s not a hop-filled harvest ale, it’s pretty much pure golden wheat flavor in a glass. I’m not much for the wheat beers but my fellow Diplomats all seemed to enjoy the pure buckwheat flavor in this unique beer.
ABV: 5.2%
IBU:30
Cismontane has a pretty extensive beer list for a brewery staying so true to its California roots so I’m excited to check out more of their selection hopefully soon. Write ups will follow!