BREWING BEER

RECIPES

Since Pilsner is my favourite beer in this climate, that is what I usually make. Hence the recipe section is very short. I have also brewed an IPA, which came out well, except for being slightly too bitter, so I have adjusted the quantity of hop pellets down a bit in the recipe for IPA below.

I do not describe the brewing process here, since that is covered in the earlier chapters (click on the overview on the left to see the list of chapters). When making an all grain brew for the first time, the sugar extraction may not be as good as it could be, so aim to use the higher quantity of grain recommended, then as you practice, you will get better at extracting, so you can reduce the quantity of grain, or make stronger beer.

PILSNER LAGER

To make a 25 litre batch (this is the quantity in the fermentation bin, some will be lost with the yeast):-

Add 4 teaspoons of calcium sulphate to 25 litres of tap water and boil for 15 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon of sodium chloride (table salt) and 1 teaspoon of magnesium sulphate.

5kg pilsner malt for a light pilsner, or 6kg for a stronger one.

50gm Saaz hop pellets for light bitterness, use 80gm for greater bitterness.

15gm additional Saaz hop pellets for making hop tea for added aroma.

2gm Irish moss.

1 packet of SAF S-23 lager yeast

120gm white sugar (to prime 23 litres of pilsner).

IPA

To make a 25 litre batch (this is the quantity in the fermentation bin, some will be lost with the yeast):-

Add 4 teaspoons of calcium sulphate to 25 litres of tap water and boil for 15 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon of sodium chloride (table salt) and 1 teaspoon of magnesium sulphate.

5kg pale malt plus 500gm crystal malt.

35gm Fuggles hop pellets, plus 35gm Goldings hop pellets.

5gm additional Fuggles hop pellets plus 5gm additional Goldings hop pellets for making hop tea for added aroma.

2gm Irish moss.

1 packet of SAF S-04 ale yeast

120gm white sugar (to prime 23 litres of IPA).

INDEX