DIY Mild Ale using a Coopers Lager Beer Kit

It is the end of the day on Friday and I am enjoying the fruits of one of my DIY Flash brew sessions. This is the DIY Steam Beer that I made back in April. If you like Anchor Steam this is the beer for you. It goes well any time of the year. And it hits the spot perfectly in this moment where the temperature is 75 F and the sky is an idyllic blue.

Earlier today I put together another DIY Flash Brew. I wanted to make a quick and easy brew that was mild and ready to drink reasonably quick. Looking at the the database of DIY Flash Brewing recipes I came upon the Coopers Mild Ale.  However, I was unable to source the Coopers Australian Pale Ale beer kit locally. So I decided to modify the recipe by using the Coopers Lager beer kit. I used 2 pounds of dry malt extract instead of 1 and I used 2 ounces of Saaz hop pelts instead of a 1/2 ounce. I did culture the Coopers commercial yeast — from Coopers Sparkling Ale beers (packing date January 27, 2013 — 17 months old). The Sparkling Ales were great! But I also bought a Safale 05 yeast sachet for insurance.

 

The next step was making the 15 minute Saaz hop infusion. I didn’t have a coffee press handy so I just steeped the hops for 15 minutes in a pot.

Then I added the 2 pounds of dry malt extract to the fermenter.

Strained the hop infusion into the fermenter and vigorously shook the fermenter to dissolve the dry malt extract.

Added the can of Coopers Lager. Topped up with water to the 23 liter mark. Stirred vigorously. Added the Coopers commercial yeast. 4 hours later I added the Safale yeast.

Now I just have 2 weeks and then I’ll keg it.

Have a great weekend!