Experience a unique and flavorful twist on traditional beer with our Nettle Beer recipe. By combining the earthy spiciness of nettles and the refreshing citrus notes of hops, this brew offers a one-of-a-kind taste experience. Whether you’re a seasoned homebrewer or a beer enthusiast looking to explore new flavors, this Nettle Beer recipe is sure to delight your taste buds.
Nettle Beer
Equipment
- 1 Large brewing pot
- 1 Fermenting vessel (e.g., glass carboy or food-grade plastic bucket)
- 1 Airlock
- 1 Brewing thermometer
- 1 Mash paddle or spoon
- 1 Straining bag or mesh strainer
- 1 Hydrometer or refractometer
- 1 Racking cane or auto-siphon
- 1 Bottles or kegs for conditioning
- 1 Bottle capper or kegging system
- 1 Sanitizing solution
- 1 Brewing burner or stove
- 1 Brewing spoon or paddle
- 1 Heat-resistant gloves
- 1 Funnel
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Timer or stopwatch
Ingredients
For the Mash – Liquor 10.25 Litres (17½ Pints) – Mash Time 1 hr – Temperature 65°c/149 °F
- 6.10 lb Pale malt Quantity 3kg
- 2¼ lb Munich malt Quantity 1kg
For the Boil – 27 Litres (47½ Pints) – Boil Time 1 hr – 10 mins
- 1¼ oz (Hops) Fuggle 4.5% When to add – At start of boil (IBU 20.1)
- ⅔ oz (Hops) Willamette 6.3% When to add – For last 10 mins of boil (IBU 4.9)
- ⅔ oz (Hops) Styrian Golding Celeia 5.5% When to add – At turn off (IBU 0.0)
- 3½ oz Freshly picked nettle tops Other – When to add – At start of boil
- 1 tsp Protofloc Other – When to add – For last 15 mins of boil
To Ferment – 18°C (64°F) – Conditioning 3 weeks at 12°C (54°F)
- 1 Wyeast 1275 Thames Valley Ale
Instructions
Mash:
- In a large brewing pot, add 10.25 liters (17½ pints) of water and heat it to a temperature of 65°C (149°F).
- Add 6.10 pounds (3 kilograms) of Pale malt and 2¼ pounds (1 kilogram) of Munich malt to the water.
- Stir the grains and water mixture thoroughly to ensure they are well mixed.
- Allow the mash to sit at this temperature for 1 hour, maintaining the temperature as closely as possible.
Boil:
- After the mash, transfer the liquid (wort) to a separate boiling pot with a capacity of 27 liters (47½ pints).
- Bring the wort to a boil and maintain it for 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Add 1¼ ounces of Fuggle hops at the start of the boil and let them boil for the full duration (IBU 20.1).
- After 1 hour of boiling, add ⅔ ounce of Willamette hops and continue boiling for the last 10 minutes (IBU 4.9).
- At the turn off, add ⅔ ounce of Styrian Golding Celeia hops (IBU 0.0).
- Also, add 3½ ounces of freshly picked nettle tops to the boiling wort at the start of the boil.
Protofloc Addition:
- In the last 15 minutes of the boil, add 1 teaspoon of Protofloc to the boiling wort. This helps to clarify the beer.
Fermentation:
- Transfer the boiled wort to a fermenting vessel, ensuring it is properly sanitized.
- Cool the wort to a temperature of 18°C (64°F).
- Add 1 packet of Wyeast 1275 Thames Valley Ale yeast to the cooled wort.
- Seal the fermenting vessel with an airlock to allow carbon dioxide to escape while preventing air from entering.
- Place the vessel in a cool and dark location with a consistent temperature of 18°C (64°F) for 4 weeks to ferment.
Conditioning:
- After fermentation, transfer the beer to individual bottles or kegs for conditioning.
- Store the bottles or kegs at a temperature of 12°C (54°F) for 3 weeks to allow the beer to carbonate and develop its flavors.
Enjoy:
- After the conditioning period, the Nettle Beer is ready to drink.
- Pour it into a glass, savor the floral, citrus notes from the hops, and the earthy spiciness from the nettles.
| Makes 🍻 | Ready to Drink 🍺 | Estimated ABV | Bitterness Rating | Color Rating |
| 23 Litres (40 Pints) | 4 Weeks | 4% | 25 IBU | 9.3 EBC |
Unique Flavor Combination
Experience a beer like no other with our Nettle Beer recipe. By infusing the brew with freshly picked nettle tops and a blend of aromatic hops, this recipe offers a truly unique flavor combination that will tantalize your taste buds.
Earthy Spiciness and Citrus Notes
The Nettle Beer combines the earthy spiciness from nettles with the floral and citrusy aroma from hops. The result is a beer that strikes a perfect balance between the two, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is both refreshing and intriguing.
Craft Your Own Adventure
If you’re a homebrewing enthusiast or simply love exploring new flavors, this recipe is a must-try. Craft your own batch of Nettle Beer and embark on a flavor adventure that will surprise and delight your senses. It’s a great opportunity to experiment with unique ingredients and expand your brewing repertoire.
Stand Out from the Crowd
Stand out at gatherings or impress your friends with a beer that’s truly distinct. Nettle Beer is a conversation starter, offering a fascinating story behind its creation and a flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional brews. Be the talk of the party by serving this exceptional beer.
Embrace Creativity
Brewing is an art, and with the Nettle Beer recipe, you have a chance to embrace your creativity. Experiment with different brewing techniques, adjust the hop profiles, or even explore additional flavor additions to make this recipe truly your own. Let your imagination run wild and craft a beer that reflects your personal taste and style.
Share the Experience
Invite friends, fellow beer enthusiasts, or curious taste testers to join you on this Nettle Beer journey. Share the joy of discovering a new and captivating beer experience, and spark conversations about the art of brewing and the endless possibilities it offers.
Start Brewing Today
Don’t wait any longer—start brewing your own batch of Nettle Beer today! With its unique flavor profile and the satisfaction of creating something truly special, this recipe promises a rewarding brewing experience. Unleash your inner brewmaster and indulge in the remarkable taste of Nettle Beer. Cheers to your brewing adventure!
FAQ on Making this Nettle Beer Recipe
How many pints does this Nettle Beer recipe yield?
This Nettle Beer recipe yields approximately 40 pints (23 liters) of beer.
Can I adjust the bitterness rating (IBU) of the beer by altering the hop quantities?
Yes, you can adjust the bitterness rating of the beer by altering the quantities of hops used during the brewing process. Adding more hops can increase the bitterness, while reducing the amount can result in a milder flavor profile.
Can I use dried nettle tops instead of freshly picked ones?
While the recipe suggests using freshly picked nettle tops, you can use dried nettle tops as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor intensity may vary slightly, so you might need to adjust the quantity to achieve the desired taste.
How should I sanitize the fermenting vessel and other brewing equipment?
To sanitize your fermenting vessel and brewing equipment, use a suitable sanitizing solution or sanitizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Thoroughly clean and rinse the equipment, then immerse them in the sanitizing solution, ensuring all surfaces come into contact with the solution. Allow them to air dry or use sanitized towels before use.
What is the recommended carbonation level for Nettle Beer?
The recommended carbonation level for Nettle Beer is typically around 2.2 to 2.5 volumes of CO2. This level of carbonation produces a moderate level of effervescence and enhances the overall drinking experience.
