Welcome to the ultimate guide to brewing your own Coopers Dark Ale at home. Whether you’re a seasoned home brewer or just starting out, this comprehensive recipe will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and flavourful brew.
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s first establish a few things:
- This Coopers Dark Ale recipe assumes you’re using Coopers Dark Ale Malt Extract (liquid or dried).
- You’ll need basic home brewing equipment, including a fermenter, airlock, and sanitizer.
- Patience is key! Brewing beer takes time, so be prepared to wait at least 14 days for fermentation.
Ingredients
For a 5-gallon (19-liter) batch you will need:
- 1 can (1.7 kg) Coopers Dark Ale Malt Extract (liquid or dried)
- 500 grams (1.1 pounds) dark spray malt
- 27 grams (1 ounce) Fuggles hops (bittering hops)
- 14 grams (0.5 ounce) East Kent Goldings hops (aroma hops)
- 1 packet Coopers Ale yeast
- 10 liters (2.6 gallons) cold water
- Priming sugar (for carbonation)
Brewing Instructions
- Sanitize: Sanitize all your brewing equipment thoroughly to prevent contamination.
- Steep the Grains: In a large pot, bring 2 liters of water to a boil. Add the dark spray malt and reduce heat to a simmer. Allow the grains to steep for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Malt Extract: Remove the pot from the heat and add the Coopers Dark Ale Malt Extract. Stir until dissolved.
- Bring to a Boil: Return the pot to the heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the Fuggles hops and simmer for 60 minutes.
- Add the Aroma Hops: With 15 minutes remaining in the boil, add the East Kent Goldings hops.
- Cool and Transfer: Remove the pot from the heat and allow the wort to cool to room temperature (around 20°C or 68°F). Transfer the wort to your fermenter.
- Top Up with Water: Fill the fermenter with cold water to the 5-gallon (19-liter) mark.
- Pitch the Yeast: Sprinkle the Coopers Ale yeast over the surface of the wort and stir gently to dissolve.
- Ferment: Attach an airlock to the fermenter and store in a cool, dark place (around 16-20°C or 60-68°F). Allow the beer to ferment for 14-21 days, or until the fermentation has slowed down significantly.
Bottling and Carbonation
- Prime the Beer: Once fermentation is complete, siphon the beer into a bottling bucket. Add 50 grams of priming sugar per 5 gallons of beer and stir gently to dissolve.
- Fill the Bottles: Fill clean, sanitized bottles with the primed beer, leaving about 2 centimeters of headspace at the top.
- Cap the Bottles: Cap the bottles securely and store them in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks. This will allow the beer to carbonate naturally.
- Chill and Enjoy: Once carbonated, chill the beer in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before enjoying.
Tasting Notes
Coopers Dark Ale is a rich, full-bodied beer with a deep amber color and a creamy, tan head. The aroma is malty, with notes of chocolate, caramel, and roasted coffee. The flavor is also malty, with a slight sweetness balanced by a subtle bitterness. The finish is clean and smooth, with a lingering hint of roast.
Conclusion
There you have it, food lovers! This comprehensive Coopers Dark Ale recipe will guide you through every step of the home brewing process. With a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious, satisfying dark ale that will impress even the most discerning of beer enthusiasts.
Cheers!
FAQ about “Coopers Dark Ale Recipe”
1. What is the estimated brewing time for this recipe?
Answer: Approximately 3-4 weeks, including fermentation and conditioning time.
2. What is the recommended malt for this recipe?
Answer: Pale ale malt, crystal malt, and roasted barley.
3. Can I use different hops varieties?
Answer: Yes, you may substitute similar varieties like Cascade, Fuggles, or Goldings.
4. What is the ideal fermentation temperature range?
Answer: 64-72°F (18-22°C)
5. How can I improve the beer’s body and flavor?
Answer: Use a higher ratio of crystal malt or add specialty grains like chocolate malt or roasted malt extract during brewing.
