Eclipse Australian Pale Ale is an exciting beer that showcases the unique flavors of Australian hops, particularly the newly developed Eclipse hop. This beer is designed for those looking to brew a refreshing and flavorful ale that is perfect for warm weather. This article provides a comprehensive recipe for brewing Eclipse Australian Pale Ale, along with essential tips, preparation and cooking times, and serving suggestions.

Overview of Eclipse Australian Pale Ale

Australian pale ales are characterized by their balanced malt and hop flavors, making them a popular choice for casual drinking, especially during summer gatherings. The Eclipse hop variety, developed in Australia, adds a unique citrus and pine aroma, enhancing the beer’s profile without overwhelming bitterness. This particular recipe uses various malt extracts and hop additions to create a rich, aromatic brew that is both easy to drink and flavorful.

Ingredients

To brew 23 liters of Eclipse Australian Pale Ale, you will need the following ingredients: Malts:

• 2.5 kg Dry Malt Extract (DME) – light
• 230 g Ale Malt, crushed
• 230 g Carapils, crushed
• 200 g Golden Naked Oats, crushed (for added mouthfeel)

Hops:

• 100 g Eclipse hop pellets (for aroma)
• 50 g Amarillo hop pellets (for flavor and aroma)
• 50 g Cascade hop pellets (for flavor and aroma)
• 50 g Chinook hop pellets (for flavor and aroma)
• 50 g Galaxy hop pellets (for dry hopping)

Yeast:

• 10 g SafAle US-05 (dry yeast)

Water:

• 20 liters of water (ideally 8 liters refrigerated for the final dilution)

Equipment Needed

• Large brewing pot (at least 30 liters)
• Fermenter with an airlock
• Grain mill (if using whole grains)
• Sanitizer for cleaning equipment
• Ice bath setup for cooling wort

Brewing Process

1. Preparation

Prep Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour Fermentation Time: 7–10 days (primary), plus additional days for dry hopping Total Time: About 2 weeks (including fermentation and carbonation)

2. Mashing the Grains

1. Heat 4 liters of water in a large pot to 71°C (160°F). Remove from heat.
2. Place the crushed Ale and Carapils malts in a mesh hop bag and steep in the heated water for 20 minutes. This process will extract the sugars and flavors from the grains.

3. Sparging and Boiling

1. Gradually raise the temperature to 77°C (170°F) and remove the grain bag, allowing it to drain back into the pot.
2. Add 8 liters of water to bring the total volume to approximately 12 liters.
3. Bring the wort (unfermented beer) to a vigorous boil.
4. Once boiling, slowly add the Dry Malt Extract (DME), stirring constantly until it completely dissolves.

4. Hop Additions

1. At the start of the boil, add 50 g of Amarillo hops in a mesh bag.
2. After 45 minutes of boiling, add 50 g of Chinook hops and 25 g of Cascade hops.
3. After a total of 60 minutes of boiling, remove from heat and add 25 g of Cascade and 50 g of Chinook hops. Cover the pot to retain heat.

5. Cooling the Wort

1. Cool the wort quickly by placing the pot in an ice bath until the temperature drops below 30°C (86°F).
2. Transfer the cooled wort to a sanitized fermenter and add 8 liters of refrigerated water to achieve the desired volume.

6. Fermentation

1. Sanitize the yeast package, fermentation stopper, and airlock. Carefully pitch the yeast into the cooled wort.
2. Seal the fermenter and place it in a dark, temperature-controlled environment (ideally between 17–20°C or 62–68°F).
3. Allow the beer to ferment for 7–10 days.

7. Dry Hopping and Carbonation

1. Once primary fermentation is complete, add the 50 g of Galaxy hops for dry hopping. Allow it to sit for an additional 1–3 days.
2. After dry hopping, cold crash the beer by reducing the temperature to 1–2°C (34–36°F) for clarity.
3. Force carbonate the beer at 20 psi for 3 days, then drop the pressure to 10 psi for serving.

Serving Suggestions

Eclipse Australian Pale Ale is best served chilled in a clean glass to enhance its aromas. The beer’s citrus and pine notes pair beautifully with various foods, including:

• Grilled seafood (such as prawns or fish)
• Spicy dishes (like Thai curry)
• Light salads and sandwiches

Conclusion

Brewing Eclipse Australian Pale Ale is an excellent way to explore the flavors of Australian hops while enjoying the process of homebrewing. With its approachable recipe and delightful taste, this beer is perfect for any occasion, especially during warm weather. Gather your ingredients and brewing equipment, and embark on your brewing adventure today!