Southern Brown Ale Recipe

Welcome to the world of Southern Brown Ale Recipe! This classic beer style, also known as London ale, offers a delightful alternative to porter and mild. With its moderate alcohol content and a sweet, malty finish, this brew is sure to please the discerning beer enthusiast. Follow this recipe to craft your own batch of Southern Brown Ale and savor the rich flavors and aromas that define this beloved style.

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Southern Brown Ale

Also known as London ale, this style originated in the early 20th century as an alternative to porter and mild. Moderately low in alcohol, it has a sweet, malty finish.

Prep Time1 hour hr

Cook Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

To Ferment28 days d

Course: Beer

Cuisine: Ale

Keyword: Southern Brown Ale

Servings: 40 Pints

Calories: 160kcal

Author: Dan Smullen

Equipment

• 1 Mash tun or brew kettle
• 1 Fermentation vessel (e.g., carboy or fermenter)
• 1 Airlock
• 1 Immersion or counterflow wort chiller
• 1 Hydrometer or refractometer
• 1 Brewing thermometer
• 1 Brewing paddle or spoon
• 1 Brewing burner or stove
• 1 Grain bag or mesh screen
• 1 Auto-siphon or racking cane
• 1 Brewing bucket or bottling bucket
• 1 Bottles or kegs for storing the beer
• 1 Bottle capper or kegging system
• 1 Sanitizing solution
• 1 Brewing brush or cleaning tools
• 1 Measuring cups and spoons
• 1 Brewing scale
• 1 pH testing strips or pH meter (optional but useful)

Ingredients

For the Mash – Liquor 10 Litres (17½ Pints) – Mash Time 1 hr – Temperature 65°c/149 °F

• 7.11 lb Pale malt Quantity 3.5kg
• 10½ oz Dark crystal malt Quantity 300g
• 4 oz Chocolate malt Quantity 110g
• 3½ oz Torrified wheat Quantity 100g
• 2 oz Black malt Quantity 55g

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

• ¾ oz (Hops) Fuggle 4.5% When to add – At start of boil (IBU 12.9)
• ¾ oz (Hops) Fuggle 4.5% When to add – For last 10 mins of boil
• 1  tsp  Protofloc  Other – When to add – For last 15 mins of boil

To Ferment – 22°C (72°F) – Conditioning 3 weeks at 12°C (54°F)

• 1 Wyeast 1187 Ringwood Ale

Instructions

Mash Preparation:

• Heat 10 liters (17½ pints) of water to a temperature of 65°C (149°F).
• Add the following ingredients to the heated water:
• 7.11 lb (3.5 kg) Pale malt
• 10½ oz (300 g) Dark crystal malt
• 4 oz (110 g) Chocolate malt
• 3½ oz (100 g) Torrified wheat
• 2 oz (55 g) Black malt
• Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
• Allow the mash to rest for 1 hour at the same temperature.

Boiling:

• Transfer the mash to a separate vessel suitable for boiling.
• Heat 27 liters (47½ pints) of water in the vessel to a rolling boil.
• Add ¾ oz of Fuggle hops (4.5% alpha acid) at the beginning of the boil. These hops will provide a bitterness of 12.9 IBU.
• Maintain the boil for 1 hour.
• After 50 minutes of boiling, add another ¾ oz of Fuggle hops for the last 10 minutes of the boil.
• In the last 15 minutes of the boil, add 1 teaspoon of Protofloc, which helps to clarify the beer.

Fermentation:

• Cool the boiled mixture to a temperature of 22°C (72°F).
• Transfer the mixture to a fermentation vessel.
• Pitch the Wyeast 1187 Ringwood Ale yeast into the vessel according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Seal the vessel with an airlock to allow gases to escape during fermentation.
• Ferment the beer at a consistent temperature of 22°C (72°F) for approximately 28 days.
• After fermentation, transfer the beer to another vessel or bottles for conditioning.

Conditioning:

• Condition the beer at a temperature of 12°C (54°F) for 3 weeks. This process helps the flavors mellow and the beer to carbonate naturally.
• After the conditioning period, your Southern Brown Ale will be ready to drink.

Unique Flavor Profile

Experience the distinct character of Southern Brown Ale, a London ale-style beer that offers a sweet, malty finish. Its unique flavor profile sets it apart from other beer styles, providing a delightful and satisfying drinking experience.

Traditional Roots

Rooted in the early 20th century, Southern Brown Ale is an homage to the classic London ale. By trying this recipe, you’ll be embracing the rich brewing heritage and craftsmanship that has made this style beloved by beer enthusiasts for generations.

Moderate Alcohol Content

With a moderately low alcohol content, Southern Brown Ale allows you to savor its flavors without overwhelming your palate. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a well-balanced and sessionable beer option.

Homebrewing Adventure

Embark on a homebrewing adventure with our Southern Brown Ale recipe. Crafted with precision and care, this recipe provides you with an opportunity to explore the art of brewing and create a high-quality beer right in the comfort of your own home.

FAQ on Making this Southern Brown Ale Recipe