1.056/40ibus/12 gallon batch
93% Golden Promise
7% Crystal 40L or caramunich
Magnum for bittering
4oz Cascade at 10
4oz Cascade whirlpool at 180df for 30 min
California Lager yeast
I know these are not traditional ingredients - was trying to use the Golden Promise leftover from a recent wee heavy brew in a way that would highlight that malt (rather than cover it up like in an IPA or Porter or Stout). Never really cared for the Northern Brewer hop in isolation.
Thoughts?
Looks really good. I was never a fan of the Northern Brewer either (though I know it’s traditional).
Man, I love me a good steam, but for my tastes, it needs that woody/earthy hop character.
I have gone in both directions on a cal common, at one end, Jamil’s (lots of malt, including caramel/toast) and at one end, a beer with a grist like yours. I like them both. A lot. But for me it needs NB’s!
IIRC though, in Designing Great Beers, Ray Daniels mentions that cascades can be used in the style (?) Intuitively, it seems like it would be more of an APA, if you like that flavor profile, brew on! You will hopefully also get that ever-so-slight-and-awesome sulfur/mineral kick from SF Lager.
I hear you. that was what I was wondering - if it’ll be just a pale ale and am I wasting my time with the SF Lager yeast, when I have plenty of 001 on hand at all times.
maybe I could split the NB and Cascade, or maybe Cascade and Willamette?
Technically it won’t be a CA common, but who cares?
I think that’s the way I’d go. I’ve seen references over the years to Cascade in common (DGB, others) but I could see it coming off as APAish with Cascade only. A mix could be nice.
I used to think I wasn’t a fan of Northern Brewer hop too, until I got my hands on some fresh Anchor Steam. I that classic has had a tendency to get passed over in bottle shops in recent years and freshness has been an issue around Portland. It’s a “fresh” earthiness as opposed to an “oxidized” earthiness that I find really appealing.
I like it. A friend’s house beer is a Common and I believe he splits NB and Cascade. His version is great.
This. I used to think I didn’t like steams, then I had Anchor on draft. I know they have their iconic bottles, etc., but they really need to start canning this beer for us East Coasters. The oxidized ones in bottles taste like cardboard, and I now know them apart.
I like the grain bill. Should be pretty clean and simple. I would try a low level caramunich malt or maybe carastan in there instead of the classic C40 though. Just to be different.
As for the hops I agree with the guys above. Split the final two additions between cascade and northern brewer. You will get the best of both without one overpowering the other. I will have to try that next time I brew one up. My last one I made was JZ’s recipe and I did not care much for it. Too malty with too much Northern brewer. Maybe I don’t like Cal commons? 
+3, I had avoided it for years and then had it fresh on tap and remembered what a great beer it is.
I think it would brewing it with Cascades would be interesting. I may try that soon, I’ve got some 2112 slurry in the fridge.
Another fun little riff that this thread reminds me of… try making a “kolsch” using the 2112. Makes a darn good beer.
After hearing Fritz describe it, I think Steam isnt technically a Ca Common LOL. Id call it the original APA.
yeah after deliberating and reading everyone’s input, I think I am going to split the baby here - do cascade and NB. I ordered a half # of NB (so I could still go full bore if needed) along with the yeast and some other tidbits I was out of. morebeer didn’t carry any Caramunich though which is a bummer, so regular C40 it will be. Thanks for the input.
I can assure you that NB and Cascade is a pretty nice combo. Even in dry-hopping.