Eclipse Australian Pale Ale is a delightful brew that showcases the unique characteristics of Australian hops. Renowned for its bright citrus and tropical fruit flavors, this pale ale is perfect for warm weather and casual gatherings. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the ingredients, preparation, and brewing process, ensuring you have all the information needed to create this refreshing beer at home.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 60 minutes
- Fermentation Time: Approximately 2 weeks
- Servings: About 5.5 gallons (approximately 50 servings)
Ingredients
To craft a perfect Eclipse Australian Pale Ale, gather the following ingredients:
Grains:
- 10 lb (4.5 kg) Northwest Pale Ale Malt
- 0.5 lb (227 g) CaraHell
- 0.5 lb (227 g) CaraFoam
- 0.25 lb (113 g) Acidulated Malt
Hops:
- 0.25 oz (7 g) Topaz™ (First wort addition)
- 0.25 oz (7 g) Vic Secret™ (Boil)
- 0.25 oz (7 g) Galaxy® (Boil)
- 2 oz (57 g) Vic Secret™ (Dry hop)
- 2 oz (57 g) Galaxy® (Dry hop)
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tsp Gypsum (at mash-in)
- 1 Whirlfloc tablet (15 minutes before the end of the boil)
- Yeast: Imperial Yeast A07 Flagship or SafAle US-05
Water:
- Approximately 6.5 gallons (25 liters) of water for the entire process.
Brewing Process
- Milling Grains: Start by milling your grains to ensure they are crushed and ready for mashing. This helps release the sugars during the mashing process.
- Mashing:
- Heat your strike water to 167°F (75°C).
- Add the crushed grains (Pale Ale, CaraHell, CaraFoam, Acidulated) to the mash tun and hold the temperature at 150°F (65°C) for 60 minutes. Stir occasionally during the first half to maintain even heat distribution.
- Sparging:
- After mashing, sparge the grains with hot water until you collect approximately 6.5 gallons of wort in your brew kettle.
- Boiling:
- Bring the wort to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, add the first wort addition of Topaz™ hops.
- After 45 minutes of boiling, add Vic Secret™ and Galaxy® hops.
- At the end of the 60-minute boil, add the remaining Vic Secret™ and Galaxy® hops, then remove the kettle from heat.
- Cooling:
- Cool the wort as quickly as possible using an immersion chiller or an ice bath until it reaches about 68°F (20°C). This step is crucial to prevent contamination and ensure the yeast can thrive.
- Fermentation:
- Transfer the cooled wort to a sanitized fermenter, and pitch the yeast. Seal the fermenter and allow it to ferment in a dark, temperature-controlled environment for about two weeks.
- Dry Hopping:
- After the primary fermentation, add the dry hops (2 oz each of Vic Secret™ and Galaxy®) to the fermenter. Let it sit for an additional 3-5 days to enhance the hop aroma and flavor.
- Bottling:
- After fermentation is complete, bottle your beer with priming sugar (to carbonate) and allow it to condition for at least another week before consuming.
Flavor Profile
Eclipse Australian Pale Ale is celebrated for its crisp and clean finish, with vibrant notes of citrus and tropical fruits coming from the Australian hops used. Expect flavors of passionfruit, mandarin, and a hint of pine, balanced with a moderate bitterness that makes it incredibly drinkable.
Tips for Success
- Sanitation is Key: Always ensure that all equipment is thoroughly sanitized to prevent any unwanted flavors or contamination in your brew.
- Temperature Control: Keep a close eye on fermentation temperatures. Yeast performance is highly influenced by temperature, so maintaining it within the recommended range (around 68°F or 20°C) will yield the best results.
- Experiment with Hops: Feel free to adjust hop varieties based on availability or personal preference, but be mindful of the impact on flavor and aroma.
Conclusion
Brewing Eclipse Australian Pale Ale at home not only allows you to enjoy a delicious craft beer but also deepens your appreciation for the brewing process. By following this detailed recipe and incorporating the recommended techniques, you’ll create a refreshing pale ale that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re sharing it at a summer barbecue or relaxing at home, this brew is sure to impress.
