On June 29th, 2012, a “land hurricane” wreaked havoc on the DC Metro region and Port City’s hometown. Knocking over trees and powerlines, this derecho (day-RAY-cho), as the storm is called, left a million without power during a record-breaking heatwave. While the brewery was not damaged, we were left without power and searching for a way to SAVE THE BEER.

Procuring a generator, we were able to keep the brewery online and the beer saved. One batch of lager fermented at higher temperatures, producing what is called a California Common beer, or steam beer.

The storm left us a gift: our lager had changed into a golden opportunity, DERECHO COMMON.

DERECHO COMMON is deep golden in color, and has toasty, biscuity malt flavors. It is medium bodied with an assertive hop profile. It is dry hopped with Amarillo hops, which give it a spicy, citrusy hop kick on the finish.