Introduction
Cream ale is a type of beer that is brewed to be mild and refreshing. It combines the best features of ale and lager brewing techniques, resulting in a smooth and light beer. This blog post will show you a simple cream ale recipe that a 15-year-old could easily understand and follow.
Recipe Details
This recipe will guide you through making a basic cream ale. It’s perfect for those new to brewing and looking for a straightforward process with delicious results.
Ingredients
- 6 lbs of light malt extract (dry)
- 1 lb of corn sugar (this helps to lighten the body)
- 1 oz of Cascade hops (for boiling)
- 1 oz of Willamette hops (for finishing)
- 1 packet of American ale yeast
- 5 gallons of water
- Optional: 1 tsp of Irish moss (to help clarify the beer)
Preparation Steps
- Boil the Water: Start by boiling 3 gallons of water in a large pot.
- Add Malt and Sugar: Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat and stir in the light malt extract and corn sugar until completely dissolved.
- Boil with Hops: Bring the mixture back to a boil, then add the Cascade hops. Boil this mixture for about 60 minutes.
- Add Finishing Hops: Five minutes before the end of the boil, add the Willamette hops.
- Cool and Ferment: After boiling, cool the mixture as quickly as possible to about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, then transfer it to a fermenter. Add enough water to make 5 gallons. Stir in the yeast.
- Fermentation: Let the beer ferment for about two weeks at room temperature.
- Bottling: After fermentation, bottle the beer with a little added sugar for carbonation. Let it sit for about two weeks to develop carbonation.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Experiment with Hops: Feel free to experiment with different types of hops to find the flavor you like.
- Adding Flavors: You can add citrus peels or herbs in the last few minutes of boiling for a custom flavor.
- Longer Fermentation: For a smoother taste, allow the beer to ferment a little longer, checking it weekly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade cream ale chilled. It pairs well with light foods like chicken, salads, and seafood.
Nutritional Information
A typical serving of homemade cream ale contains approximately:
- Calories: 150-200
- Carbohydrates: 10-14 grams
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 4-5%
This simple cream ale recipe offers a straightforward way to dive into home brewing with tasty, rewarding results. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to experiment with a new beer style, this recipe provides a solid foundation with plenty of scopes to make it your own.
