Introduction
Are you a beer lover who is always on the lookout for new and exciting brews to try? Well, we have got just the thing for you – the Bergsteiger India Pale Lager. This recipe is a perfect blend of the bold and hoppy flavors of an IPA, combined with the crispness of a lager. The end result is a refreshing and full-bodied beer that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients
The Essentials
- 6.6lbs of Light Dry Malt Extract
- 1lb of Vienna Malt
- 1lb of Munich Malt
- 1lb of Flaked Corn
- 8oz of Crystal 60 Malt
- 2oz of German Magnum Hops
- 1oz of Simcoe Hops
- 1oz of Cascade Hops
- 2 packages of German Lager Yeast
- 1tsp of Irish Moss
- 5oz of Corn Sugar (for bottling)
Optional Additions
- 1oz of Fresh Ginger Root (chopped)
- 1oz of Dried Hibiscus Flowers
- 1oz of Fresh Lemon Zest
Process
Step 1: Steeping the Grains
Start by steeping the Vienna Malt, Munich Malt, Flaked Corn, and Crystal 60 Malt in 2 gallons of water at 150-160°F for 30 minutes. This will help extract the flavors and sugars from the grains.
Step 2: Adding the Malt Extract
Next, remove the grains and add the light dry malt extract to the pot. Mix it well to ensure there are no clumps and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Adding the Hops
Once the mixture is boiling, add the German Magnum hops and let it boil for 60 minutes. After 30 minutes, add the Irish Moss which will help clarify the beer. For additional flavors, add the Simcoe hops at 15 minutes and the Cascade hops at 5 minutes.
Step 4: Cooling and Fermenting
After the 60 minutes is up, remove the pot from the heat and cool the mixture to 70-75°F. Once it has cooled, transfer it to a fermentation vessel and add the German lager yeast. Let it ferment for 2-3 weeks at a temperature of around 50°F.
Step 5: Carbonating and Bottling
After the fermentation is complete, transfer the beer to a bottling bucket and add the corn sugar to aid carbonation. Bottle the beer and let it sit at room temperature for at least 2 weeks before serving.
Optional Additions
If you want to add some extra flavors to your Bergsteiger India Pale Lager, you can try adding some fresh ginger root, dried hibiscus flowers, or fresh lemon zest to the mix. Simply add them to the boil at the same time as the Irish Moss and let them infuse their flavors into the beer.
Conclusion
The Bergsteiger India Pale Lager is a must-try for any beer lover who enjoys a bold, hoppy flavor. With its crisp and refreshing taste, it’s perfect for enjoying during the hot summer months or anytime you need a pick-me-up. So why not give this recipe a try and impress your friends with your brewing skills?