Northern Brown Ale Recipe

“Indulge in the rich flavors of our Northern Brown Ale recipe. This beer, stronger and paler than its southern counterpart, showcases a delightful nutty and chocolaty character with a pleasantly hoppy finish. Follow our step-by-step instructions to craft this delicious brew and savor the taste of a well-crafted Northern Brown Ale.”

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Northern Brown Ale

Stronger, paler, and less sweet than its southern counterpart, Northern Brown Ale has a nutty. chocolaty character with a moderately hoppy finish.

Prep Time1 hour hr

Cook Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

To Ferment28 days d

Course: Beer

Cuisine: Ale

Keyword: Northern Brown Ale

Servings: 40 Pints

Calories: 150kcal

Author: Dan Smullen

Equipment

• 1 Brew kettle
• 1 Fermenter (e.g., glass carboy or plastic fermenting vessel)
• 1 Airlock and bung
• 1 Brewing thermometer
• 1 Mash tun or large pot for mashing
• 1 Heat source (e.g., stove or burner)
• 1 Brewing spoon or paddle
• 1 Strainer or mesh bag for sparging
• 1 Hydrometer or refractometer for measuring specific gravity
• 1 Brewing pump (optional)
• 1 Wort chiller or ice bath for cooling the wort
• 1 Racking cane or auto-siphon
• 1 Tubing for siphoning
• 1 Sanitizing solution or cleaner
• 1 Fermentation temperature control

Ingredients

For the Mash – Liquor 13 Litres (23 Pints) – Mash Time 1 hr – Temperature 65°c/149 °F

• 10.9 oz Pale malt Quantity 4.8kg
• 9 oz Medium crystal malt Quantity 250g
• 3½ oz Chocolate malt Quantity 100g

For the Boil – 27 Litres (47½ Pints) – Boil Time 1 hr – 10 mins

• ½ oz (Hops) Admiral 14.5% When to add – At start of boil (IBU 25.7)
• ½ oz (Hops) Challenger 7% When to add – At turn off (IBU 0.0)
• 1  tsp  Protofloc  Other – When to add – For last 15 mins of boil

To Ferment – 20°C (68°F) – Conditioning 5 weeks at 12°C (54°F)

• 1 Wyeast 1098 British Ale

Instructions

Mash Preparation:

• In a large pot, heat 13 liters (23 pints) of water to a temperature of 65°C (149°F).
• Add the following ingredients to the pot:
• 4.8 kg (10.9 oz) of Pale malt
• 250g (9 oz) of Medium crystal malt
• 100g (3½ oz) of Chocolate malt
• Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the grains are well mixed.
• Let the mash steep for 1 hour at a consistent temperature of 65°C (149°F).

Boiling:

• After the mash, transfer the liquid (wort) to a larger pot with a capacity of 27 liters (47½ pints).
• Bring the wort to a boil and maintain it for 1 hour and 10 minutes.
• At the start of the boil, add ½ oz of Admiral hops with a 14.5% alpha acid content. This will contribute to the beer's bitterness (IBU: 25.7).
• During the last 15 minutes of the boil, add 1 tsp of Protofloc. This is a clarifying agent that helps remove impurities.
• At the end of the boil, add ½ oz of Challenger hops with a 7% alpha acid content. This will add aroma to the beer.

Fermentation:

• Cool down the boiled wort to a temperature of 20°C (68°F).
• Transfer the cooled wort to a sanitized fermenter.
• Add Wyeast 1098 British Ale yeast to the fermenter according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Seal the fermenter with an airlock to allow carbon dioxide to escape while preventing contaminants from entering.
• Place the fermenter in a location with a stable temperature of 20°C (68°F) and let it ferment for approximately 28 days.
• After fermentation, transfer the beer to another sanitized container for conditioning.
• Condition the beer for 5 weeks at a temperature of 12°C (54°F) to allow it to mature and develop its flavors.

Packaging:

• Once the conditioning period is complete, the Northern Brown Ale is ready to be packaged.
• You can choose to bottle the beer using sanitized bottles and caps or keg it for serving.
• Store the bottled or kegged beer in a cool place to maintain its quality.

Distinctive Flavor:

The Northern Brown Ale offers a unique flavor profile with its nutty and chocolaty character complemented by a moderate hoppy finish. It’s a beer that stands out from the crowd.

Stronger and Paler:

Unlike its southern counterpart, this ale is stronger and paler, providing a refreshing change for beer enthusiasts who appreciate a bolder and lighter brew.

Crafted with Care:

The recipe has been carefully crafted by Dan Smullen, ensuring a well-balanced and delicious result. Follow the step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of this exceptional Northern Brown Ale.

Ale Enthusiast’s Delight:

For those who enjoy the complexities and depth of flavors in ales, this recipe is a must-try. It showcases the best qualities of a Northern Brown Ale, making it a satisfying choice for beer connoisseurs.

FAQ on Making this Northern Brown Ale Recipe