• Preboiled Extract Means a Quick 30 Minute Boil
• Choice of Optional Liquid or Dry Yeast
Summer in California can be arid, hot, and still, the rolling hills covered with tinder-dry golden grass and stubbornly green oak trees. The late afternoon heat is always dry and sometimes seems to shimmer in waves. About the only living thing you might see is a rattlesnake, who love to lie exposed in the hot sun. What is striking is the sound, or lack of sound; when you sit down at the end of a long day like this you hear nothing, or maybe the ringing chirp of a cricket. What sort of beer is needed in a spot like this?
Summer Surprise Ale is a hybrid, a pale amber beer with malt and sugar base, fermented with selected Belgian Ale Yeast. The result is a delicate malt corn flavor balanced with selected noble hops, with a touch of spice in the finish from the Belgian yeast culture if you select Wyeast 1214 Liquid Yeast. If you select Windsor Dry Ale you will get a smoother beer with less of a spicy accent. This is a beer to be served cold in the shade, a little different from your usual light Summer beer but very refreshing. Alcohol 5.5%, IBU’s 24.
Summer Surprise Ale is a hybrid, a pale amber beer with malt and sugar base, fermented with selected Belgian Ale Yeast. The result is a delicate malt corn flavor balanced with selected noble hops, with a touch of spice in the finish from the Belgian yeast culture if you select Wyeast 1214 Liquid Yeast. If you select Windsor Dry Ale you will get a smoother beer with less of a spicy accent. This is a beer to be served cold in the shade, a little different from your usual light Summer beer but very refreshing. Alcohol 5.5%, IBU’s 24.
Includes 6 lbs. of our Pilsner Extract, 2 lbs. of Beet Sugar, flavoring and aromatic hops, and sugar for carbonation. Makes 5 gallons with a starting gravity of at least 1.054. Ease of Brewing: Beginner.
Yeast recommendations:
1. 1214 Wyeast Belgian Liquid Ale Yeast will add a spicy hint to the aftertaste while maintaining a clean flavor
2. Windsor Dry Ale Yeast will produce a smoother tasting ale, with less spice.
Click to download the instructions in pdf format.
Apr 24, 2018 by Otto
Q: What yeast is included in this kit?
A: Wyeast 1214 Belgian Abbey
Perfect for summer
A really drinkable beer with a nice twist. Low carbonation, Belgian vibes, can even add a lemon. Would definitely get again. The yeast is very deceptive. It doesn't expand like most - which apparently is normal. Waited a few days before using and everything came out fine. It's a slow starter, but once it does start, it pops for a few days. Otherwise, it's great easy kit.
Better than Blue Moon
I really liked the way this kit came together. The Belgian yeast really made this kit unique. Comparing this to Blue Moon is a slap in the face to this kit. The description matches this beers unique flavor. Hop heads will not like it.
Third Batch
Still a beginner at this brewing "thang," but so far so good. The only reason this batch doesn't get 5 stars is it turned out a little under-carbonated. Summer in Dixie might have been too hot, but I don't know. The flavor was good, a complex mix of beer meets fruit and spice. My wife loves Hoegarden (sp?) and Blue Moon, this brew reminds her of them. Even with the under-carbonation the beer is refreshing and good. Get some!
Good, can get better
Liked the product, it was nice and crisp, however could use just a bit more hops to make it an excellent drink.
Wonderful Summer Beer
This is a wonderful summer beer. I used this kit to keg for the first time. It turned out great. Tastes like a Blue Moon some. I shared some with my (non-craft drinking) friends and they loved it. Now they want me to keg them some. I love these kits. They are so easy and turn out so very good. I will be ordering another kit.