Tasting Notes and Review of Orlio Organic Common Ale

Before passing judgement on this beer I tried to look up what the name common ale actually means. Although this is not an uncommon name for a beer, I'm not sure that it is actually a defined style. In case like this I typically turn to the Beer Judge Certification Program website, bjcp.org. It says nothing about common ale. The phrase also fails to appear in any of the books in my beer library. Until I hear different, I'm going to take common ale at face value and as more of a traditional name for a class of beers rather than a clearly defined style.

Pros

Cons

Orlio's Organic Common Ale pours clear, with a light amber/brown color and no head. The nose is very sweet with no apparent hops. This first sip is nice, with layered roasted, caramel notes although I wouldn't go so far as to call it complex. The flavor then flattens out and exhibits the barest hint of hops. This quickly gives way to a long, cloyingly sweet finish.

This beer really doesn't do it for me and I wouldn't recommend it to more experienced good beer drinkers. But it would make a great beginners' beer. By that I mean this would be a good beer for someone who doesn't typically drink beer but would like to try some or for a drinker who is trying to explore the many styles beyond the American lager brewed by the megabreweries that dominate the market today.