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 beer with an American malt and corn 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. 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 8 lbs. of our blended malt/corn extract, flavoring and aromatic hops, 125 ml of liquid ale yeast, and sugar for carbonation. Because it has liquid Belgian yeast, it can be fermented at temperatures as high as 76 degrees F. Makes 5 gallons with a starting gravity of at least 1.054. Ease of Brewing: Beginner.
Summer Surprise Ale is a hybrid, a beer with an American malt and corn 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. 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 8 lbs. of our blended malt/corn extract, flavoring and aromatic hops, 125 ml of liquid ale yeast, and sugar for carbonation. Because it has liquid Belgian yeast, it can be fermented at temperatures as high as 76 degrees F. Makes 5 gallons with a starting gravity of at least 1.054. Ease of Brewing: Beginner.
Click to download the instructions in pdf format.
Note: One of our previous paper catalogs said this kit includes a German Wheat Yeast Culture. However, we have test brewed this again after the print deadline, and find the Belgian ale yeast gives the best character and slight touch of spice.
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.