Wiscommon is one of the stranger beers to come out of Ballast Point’s Little Italy R&D brewery, and the name tells you most of the story: a California common brewed with rye, a nod to Wisconsin’s grain country from a San Diego brewery. It is a taproom creation that earned real hardware, taking gold in the rye beer category at the 2021 San Diego International Beer Competition.

The basics

• Brewery: Ballast Point Brewing Company (San Diego, CA)
• Style: Rye California Common
• ABV: 5.3%
• IBU: 20

What to expect

Wiscommon pours clear amber with a creamy off-white head. California commons are lager yeast fermented warm, which gives a clean, crisp lager character with a light fruity edge, and the rye adds a spicy, grainy layer on top of the toasty malt. The hops stay traditional and woody-herbal rather than citrusy, and the finish is dry and refreshing. It is an old-school style with a twist, and the rye keeps it from tasting like just another amber lager.

Our rating

7.2/10

Rated by Alex (7.8) and Nick (6.5). Alex rated this one higher than Nick did, and the split makes sense. Alex loved the rye spice and the easy-drinking character, while Nick found it well made but less memorable than the brewery’s hop-forward beers. We land in between: a clever, well-executed oddity that is well worth ordering when it is on tap.