Patience is a virtue

[joejoe]

I bottled a California Common Lager over a month ago and the beer has just now matured. I tested a few at around 2 weeks but it was fruity and flat. Most of the ales that I have brewed are drinkable after 2 weeks in the bottle and get much better over time. The CC needed over a month in the bottle but it is actually the best beer I have ever brewed and, needles to say, is much better than anything store-bought.
I always rack to a secondary and usually leave it there for 2 weeks for all the beers I make. I then start drinking after about 2 weeks in the bottle. How long do all of you leave your beer in the bottle before consuming? I don't think I have ever made a batch that lasts me more than a month. Is there a general length of time in the bottle that once reached the beer won't get any better?
One thing for sure is that after beer has been in the bottle for close to a month, there is better carbonation, head retention, smoother tones, clearer, etc.
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[paul84043]

Did you actually Lager your Cali-Common in a refrigerator, or do it at room temp? (just checking...) Cali Common should be done a troom temp for the specific flavor profile. Not saying that it wouldn't work in a fridge, it would just fine.

I made one recently and did notice that it took quite a bit longer than the regular ales.
I erred on the side of caution keeping in mind that the Lager yeasts will flocculate to the bottom and work from there, I let it sit in the primary until the bubbling slowed to one every 30 seconds or more, I seem to recall that it took around 2 weeks.
Then, I let it sit another 2 weeks in the secondary, but my hydrometer is now telling me that its done so I'll probably bottle here pretty soon.
Mine tastes fruity, with definite ale undertones. Very tasty, I'm really looking forward to sampling it after a week in the bottle.

I usually begin to sample within a week of bottling to get an idea of how the carbonation is coming along. I had one that carbonated in two days, so I moved it into the basement to stop the process, or at least slow it down!
Like you said, usually the flavor begins to smooth out and improve with a month or so....if they live that long..

[S.F.B.]

I start to sample to check carbonation around 10 days. If it is good at that point I will put a sixer in the fridge and leave the rest in the closet for a while longer. I have some now that has been there for 6 months. Another that is only 2 months old.

I tend to let my "bigger" ales age longer than my regular ones. The more complex the brew, the more it will improve with age.