Recipe: Annie’s Three Paths Pale Ale

The story behind the brew

Here’s a fantastic recipe called Annie’s Three Paths Pale Ale that takes inspiration from different brewing traditions around the world. Our friend Annie, who is an avid beer enthusiast, created this unique recipe after experimenting with various ingredients and techniques. Annie’s Three Paths Pale Ale seamlessly blends American, English, and Belgian styles to create a complex yet refreshing brew that is sure to delight beer lovers.

Ingredients

For the malt base:

• 8 lbs. Pale Ale Malt
• 1 lb. Munich Malt
• 8 oz. Crystal 40 Malt

For the hop profile:

• 1 oz. Cascade (60 min)
• 0.5 oz. East Kent Goldings (15 min)
• 0.5 oz. Saaz (5 min)

For the yeast:

• 1 packet of American Ale Yeast

Instructions

Step 1: Mashing and Boiling

In a large pot, combine the Pale Ale Malt, Munich Malt, and Crystal 40 Malt. Fill the pot with water, making sure to cover the grains completely. Heat the water to around 150°F (65°C) and let the grains steep for around an hour. This process is called mashing and helps extract the sugars from the grains.

After mashing, bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the Cascade hops and let it simmer for 60 minutes, giving it a gentle stir occasionally.

Step 2: Hop additions

Add the East Kent Goldings hops 15 minutes before the end of the boil. This hop addition adds a hint of earthiness to balance the floral cascade hops. Then, add the Saaz hops 5 minutes before the end of the boil, for a touch of spicy, herbal aroma.

Step 3: Fermentation

Once the boiling is complete, cool the mixture down rapidly using an ice bath or a wort chiller until it reaches a temperature of around 70°F (21°C). Transfer the cooled wort to a fermentation vessel, leaving behind any sediment. Pitch the packet of American Ale yeast into the vessel and seal it with an airlock. Allow fermentation to occur for around two weeks or until the yeast activity subsides.

Step 4: Bottling or kegging

After fermentation is complete, it’s time to prepare your brew for consumption. If you prefer bottled beer, prime your beer with a suitable amount of priming sugar according to your desired carbonation level. Bottle the beer and allow it to carbonate for around two weeks.

If you have a kegging system, transfer the beer to a sanitized keg and add carbonation by using CO2 at the recommended pressure for your desired level of carbonation. Allow the beer to sit for a few days for optimal carbonation.

Serving and Enjoyment

Annie’s Three Paths Pale Ale is best enjoyed in a pint glass at a temperature of around 45°F (7°C). Its vibrant golden color and well-balanced hop character offer a delicious drinking experience. The malt base provides a slight sweetness, perfectly complemented by the citrus and floral notes from the hops. This ale pairs well with a range of dishes, such as grilled meats, spicy cuisine, or even a cheese platter.

So, why not gather some friends, fire up the grill, and indulge in the distinctive flavors of Annie’s Three Paths Pale Ale? Brew this recipe with love and passion, and you’ll be rewarded with a delightful craft beer that will surely leave everyone wanting more.