Homemade Samuel Adams The Beers of Summer Variety Pack Recipe: A Refreshing Brew at Home

Category: Beverage

Introduction

Samuel Adams The Beers of Summer Variety Pack is a beloved collection of seasonal beers that capture the essence of warm weather with their crisp, refreshing flavors. The pack typically includes styles like Summer Ale, Pilsner, Wheat Ale, and Lager, each offering a unique taste experience. For beer enthusiasts, recreating these at home allows for customization, cost-effectiveness, and the joy of crafting something delicious. This recipe focuses on the popular Summer Ale, known for its citrusy and smooth profile, guiding you through the brewing process to create a homemade version that rivals the original.

Why Make It at Home?

Brewing at home offers the freedom to tweak recipes to your taste, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. It's also economical in the long run and ensures your beer is always fresh. Plus, there's the satisfaction of enjoying the fruits of your labor, literally and figuratively.

Personal Anecdote

I remember my first homebrew attempt, the excitement of watching grains and hops transform into a delicious beer. When I successfully recreated Samuel Adams Summer Ale, the citrus notes and crisp finish were spot on. Sharing it with friends who couldn't tell it apart from the store-bought version was incredibly rewarding.

Recipe Details

• **Prep Time:60 minutes
• **Cook Time:60 minutes
• **Total Time:8-10 weeks (including fermentation and conditioning)
• **Yield:5 gallons (19 liters)

Ingredients

Malt Extracts:

• 6 lbs (2.7 kg) Pilsner Malt Extract
• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) Wheat Malt Extract

Grains (for mashing):

• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) Pilsner Malt
• 1 lb (0.45 kg) Wheat Malt

Hops:

• 1 oz (28g) Hallertau Mittelfrüh (bittering)
• 1 oz (28g) Saaz (flavor/aroma)
• 1 oz (28g) Lemon Zest or Citra (aroma)

Yeast:

• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) American Ale Yeast

Other:

• Water (sufficient for 5 gallons post-boil)

Instructions

• Prepare Ingredients: Crush grains and measure hops.
• Mash: Heat 2.5 gallons (9.5 liters) of water to 162°F. Steep grains for 60 minutes, targeting 152°F. Sparge with 3 gallons (11.4 liters) of 168°F water.
• Boil: Bring to a boil, add Pilsner and Wheat extracts. Boil for 60 minutes.
  • Add Hallertau at 60 minutes.
  • Add Saaz at 15 minutes.
  • Add Lemon Zest/Citra at 5 minutes.
• Cool and Pitch: Cool wort to 70°F, transfer to fermenter, pitch yeast. Ferment at 68°F for 7-10 days.
• Condition: Transfer to secondary fermenter, age for 2 weeks. Prime with corn sugar, bottle, and carbonate for 2 weeks.

Storage Instructions

Store bottles in a cool, dark place (around 40°F) for 2 weeks before refrigerating. Beer will keep for 6 months when stored properly.

Variations & Customization

• Citrus Twist: Substitute Lemon Zest with orange or lime for different citrus profiles.
• Herbal Infusion: Add mint or basil for a refreshing twist.
• Low-Calorie: Use less malt extract for a lighter version.

Special Equipment

• Brew kettle, fermenter, siphon, hydrometer, bottles.

Pro Tips

• Sanitize: Ensure all equipment is sanitized to prevent contamination.
• Control Temperature: Maintain precise temperatures for optimal fermentation.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh hops and grains.

Nutritional Comparison

FAQ

• Can I use extract-only? Yes, omit grains for a simpler brew.
• What if fermentation is slow? Ensure yeast is healthy and temperature is correct.
• Can I scale the recipe? Yes, adjust ingredients proportionally.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Seafood: Complements grilled fish or shrimp.
• Garden Salads: Refreshing with citrus-herb salads.
• BBQ: Pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables.

Conclusion

Brewing Samuel Adams Summer Ale at home is a rewarding experience, offering customization and freshness. With this recipe, you'll enjoy a crisp, citrusy beer perfect for summer gatherings. Share your brew and savor the satisfaction of your homemade creation. Cheers!