Craft Your Own Batch of Northern Lights Honey Ale at Home

The Story Behind Northern Lights Honey Ale

Craft beer has become quite the trend in recent years, with microbreweries popping up all over the country. Here in Alaska, our rugged landscape provides the perfect backdrop for creative and unique brews.

That’s where Northern Lights Honey Ale comes in. This golden ale is brewed with wildflower honey harvested from local hives, giving it a distinct sweetness and smooth finish. The name “Northern Lights” is fitting, as the beer is bursting with bright and lively flavors that mimic the vibrant aurora borealis in the Alaskan night sky.

But what sets this brew apart is its origin story. The recipe was born out of a collaboration between a homebrewer and a beekeeper, both of whom shared a love for locally sourced ingredients. They wanted to create a beer that would showcase the unique flavors of Alaska, and Northern Lights Honey Ale was the result.

The Recipe

Making your own batch of Northern Lights Honey Ale is easier than you might think. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients

• 8 lbs. of pale malt extract
• 1 lb. of crystal malt
• 1 lb. of wildflower honey
• 1 oz. of Northern Brewer hops
• 1 oz. of Willamette hops
• 2 oz. of Cascade hops
• 1 package of American ale yeast

Instructions

1. Steep the crystal malt in 2.5 gallons of water at 155°F for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the grain bag and bring the water to a boil.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the malt extract and Northern Brewer hops.
4. Return the pot to the heat and boil for 60 minutes, adding the Willamette hops at the 30-minute mark and the Cascade hops at the 55-minute mark.
5. Turn off the heat and stir in the honey until it dissolves.
6. Cool the wort to room temperature, then transfer it to a fermenter and add the yeast.
7. Ferment the beer for 2 weeks, then bottle or keg and enjoy!

The Taste Test

So, how does Northern Lights Honey Ale actually taste? Well, it’s definitely on the sweeter side, with notes of honey and caramel. But the hops give it a nice balance, providing a slightly bitter finish and a citrusy aroma. It’s a smooth and drinkable beer, perfect for sipping on a warm summer day or paired with some spicy buffalo wings.

But what really sets it apart is the use of local honey. It gives the beer a unique flavor that you won’t find anywhere else, and that connection to the community is what craft beer is all about.

So, grab some friends and give Northern Lights Honey Ale a try. You might just find yourself planning a trip to Alaska to taste it straight from the source.