In this post, we dive into another pick from the Homebrew Jar of Destiny. Back in April, we selected an American Light Lager, and now, a few months later, we’re excited to share the results. This light, crisp beer aims to capture the essence of its commercial counterparts while adding our own unique twist. Join us as we break down the brewing process, ingredients, and our final thoughts on this refreshing brew.
American Light Lager Homebrew Recipe
Ingredients
Base Malt:
3 pounds (1.36 kg) American two-row barley
Adjunct:
1 pounds (.45 kg) rice solids
Hops:
0.5 ounces (14 g) of Tettnang (60 minutes)
0.25 ounces (7 g) of Tettnang (10 minutes)
0.25 ounces (7 g) of Cascade (10 minutes)
Yeast:
1 packet of NovaLager yeast
Brewing Process
Mash:
60 minutes at 145°F (63°C)
Ramp up to 158°F (70°C) and hold for 10 minutes
Ramp up to 168°F (76°C) for mash out and hold for 10 minutes
Boil:
60-minute boil
Add hops at times directed above
Fermentation:
Ferment with NovaLager yeast
Target final gravity: approximately 1.008
Estimated ABV: 4.2-4.3%
Notes:
Aim for a pre-boil gravity of 1.038 and a post-boil gravity of 1.040-1.041.
Consider using rice solids instead of rice syrup to maintain light color.
Tasting Notes and Thoughts
The Flavor Experience
The first few sips of our American Light Lager took a bit of adjustment, but once our palates settled in, the beer became quite enjoyable. The nose offered a slight hint of yeast and maybe a touch of sulfur, but overall, it was clean with a subtle grain aroma. The taste reminded me of Night Shift Brewery’s Night Lite, with a crisp, dry finish and light body. The rice solids contributed a distinct sweetness, almost reminiscent of a heated rice pad’s aroma, adding an interesting layer to the flavor profile.
Conclusion
Overall, our American Light Lager turned out to be a successful brew, capturing the essence of a commercial light lager with a homebrew twist. It’s a perfect summer beer—light, refreshing, and easy to drink. The brewing process was straightforward, and the use of rice solids instead of syrup helped maintain the desired color and flavor. As we continue our Homebrew Jar of Destiny series, we’re excited to see what other beers we’ll create. Stay tuned for our next pick and BREW ON!
Links To The Jar of Destiny Series Results
Check out the British Strong Ale post
Check out the Black IPA post
Check out the International Amber Lager post
Check out the Belgian Tripel post
Check out the Double IPA post
Check out the Kölsch post
Check out the English IPA post
Check out the Wood-Aged Beer post
Check out the Belgian Golden Strong Ale post
Check out the American Amber Ale post
Check out the German Pils post
Check out the Brett Beer post
Check out the Munich Helles post
Check out the Imperial Stout post
Check out the Foreign Extra Stout post
Check out the Belgian IPA post
Check out the Eisbock post
Check out the Czech Dark Lager post
Check out the California Common post