Brewer’s Archive #2: Commonwealth Revival Kentucky Common

Kentucky Common: An American Original Returns to the Taproom. At Rochester Brewing and Roasting, we believe every beer has a story. That’s why we created the Brewer’s Archive, a limited series dedicated to reviving rare and nearly forgotten beer styles from brewing’s storied past. With each release, we honor the artistry of traditional brewing and invite you to rediscover flavors lost to time.

Following the success of Smoked Tradition, our Piwo Grodziskie first release, we’re proud to introduce the second chapter in the Archive: Commonwealth Revival Kentucky Common — a pre-Prohibition American cream ale with a rich history and a smooth, satisfying profile.

Kentucky Common was once a staple beer style in and around Louisville, Kentucky, dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Brewed for the working class and served fresh at local taverns, this ale was designed to be flavorful, affordable and relatively fast to produce.

• The Kentucky Common uses 6-row pale malt as opposed to the more common 2-row modified malt.
• Historically, this brew featured a large amount of corn, which was both abundant in Kentucky and cost-effective. Corn also helped boost the alcohol content while balancing the high protein levels of 6-row pale malt, resulting in a smoother, more drinkable beer.

Prohibition brought an abrupt halt to its production, and despite its popularity, the style vanished almost completely by the mid-20th century. But today, the Kentucky Common lives again — brewed with reverence, curiosity and a nod to the brewers who came before us.

Flavor Profile

This Kentucky Common pays tribute to a pre-Prohibition style brewed for everyday enjoyment. Smooth malt, soft caramel notes and a crisp, dry finish make it an easy-drinking nod to American brewing tradition.

Brewer’s Archive #2: Commonwealth Revival Kentucky Common

The Brewer’s Archive series exists to bridge past and present — reviving overlooked styles and offering you a rare chance to sip history. These beers are more than limited releases. They are a unique opportunity to connect us to brewing legacies that might otherwise be forgotten.

Stop by, raise a glass and taste a piece of brewing Americana. Commonwealth Revival is available on tap and in cans for a limited time.

Rochester Brewing and Roasting is Kansas City’s first craft beer brewery and coffee roastery under one roof. We’ve created welcoming spaces to gather for the best of both worlds – a Kansas City brewery and Kansas City coffee shop – all in one place. Our head coffee roaster sources the best quality coffee beans, roasting each batch meticulously to bring out our house roasted coffee’s unique character. Our head brewer blends the art and science behind brewing beer to create a rotating slate of beer styles, focusing on tradition with an eye on innovation. You can find local KC coffee beans for sale in shop, and our current beer tap list online.

We would love to see you in person to pour you a cold one or whip up one of our popular specialty coffees. We also have a rotating menu of delicious sandwiches, breakfast burritos and fresh-made-in-house pastries and donuts. Stop by our spacious Kansas City brewery and coffee shop, located in the city’s vibrant Crossroads Art District. Or check out our charming Parkville coffee shop and brewery, located inside two vintage train cars. We also host public and private events at the Crossroads location ~ details on our spacious Kansas City event space can be found on our website. Both locations are open day and night, so come early for the coffee, stay late for the beer!