This Independence Day is especially important for American homebrewers. Not only will the 4th of July celebrate 237 years of independence from colonial-Britain, but it will mark the first Independence Day in nearly a century in which homebrewing has been legal in all current United States.
Many of the founding fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 were themselves homebrewers and small-batch imbibers, and would likely scoff at the notion that beer was ever prohibited or homebrewing impermissible. Ben Franklin was no stranger to a flagon of ale and Thomas Jefferson had his own brew house upon retirement.
When you are flipping burgers on the bar-b-que with your family friends, share some homebrew and tell them about our newfound independence as homebrewers. Better yet, gather anyone and everyone for an Independence Brew-Day to share your passion and enjoyment for the greatest hobby there is. Looking for a recipe? Try out the American Pale Ale below for a patriotic brew!
Lara American Pale Ale
This recipe is a classic American pale ale that won Richard McLain of Highlands Ranch, Colo. a gold medal at the 2008 National Homebrew Competition. The judges declared; “Very nice malt, hop balance-good dry/sweet balance. Very good pale ale.”
Ingredients for 11.5 U.S. gallons (43.53 liters)
20 lb (9.07 kg) | Gambrinus pale malt
1.0 lb (0.45 kg) | 40° L crystal malt
1.0 lb (0.45 kg) | 65° L crystal malt
1.0 oz (28 g) | Goldings whole hops, 4.3% alpha acid (60 min.)
1.0 oz (28 g) | Willamette whole hops, 4.7% alpha acid (30 min.)
1.0 oz (28 g) | Cascade whole hops, 6% alpha acid (10 min.)
1.0 oz (28 g) | Cascade whole hops, 6% alpha acid (1 min.)
1.0 oz (28 g) | Willamette whole hops, 4.7% alpha acid (1 min.)
White Labs 002 English ale yeast, 380 mL starter
Forced CO2 to carbonate
Specifications:
Original Specific Gravity: 1.051
Final Specific Gravity: 1.012
Boiling Time: 70 min.
Primary Fermentation: 7 days at 68° F (20° C) in glass
Secondary Fermentation: 21 days at 67° F (19°C) in glass
Directions:
Mash grain at 152° F (67° C) for 60 minutes.
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