Shack on A Hilltop Strong Ale
Shack on A Hilltop Strong Ale
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Shack on A Hilltop Strong Ale is a smooth winter warmer built for cold nights and slow pours. Bewitched Amber Ale extract, Smooth LME, Golden LME, Crystal 40, Saaz hops, S-05 ale yeast, and vanilla extract come together for a rich, malty strong ale with soft hop balance, warming strength, and a smooth vanilla finish.
- Strong winter ale character with rich malt flavor and a smooth finish
- Layered malt body from Bewitched Amber Ale extract, Smooth LME, Golden LME, and Crystal 40
- Saaz hop balance for gentle bitterness and classic hop character
- Vanilla finish added 48 hours before bottling for smooth cold-weather depth
Malty, warming, and easy to settle into, this strong ale is made for brewers who want a winter beer with comfort, character, and a little extra strength.
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Your Brew Breakdown
Everything you need to craft your perfect brew
STORY
Overview: Shack on A Hilltop Strong Ale is a smooth winter warmer brewed with Bewitched Amber Ale Brewing Extract, Smooth LME, Golden LME, Crystal 40, Saaz hops, S-05 ale yeast, and vanilla extract. It delivers rich malt flavor, gentle hop balance, smooth vanilla depth, and a strong 7.6% finish.
PROFILE
Tasting Notes: Expect a strong, malt-forward ale with smooth body, caramel-like malt depth, gentle Saaz hop bitterness, subtle herbal hop character, and a soft vanilla finish. It is warming, balanced, and built for cold-weather drinking.
IMPORTANT BREWING NOTE
Vanilla Addition Note: The vanilla extract is added 48 hours before bottling. This helps preserve smooth vanilla aroma and flavor without driving it off during fermentation.
Hop Note: Both Saaz hop packets are boiled for 20 minutes and the hop sack stays in the fermenter during fermentation.
Strong Beer Note: This is a higher-ABV strong ale. Additional conditioning can help the malt, vanilla, hop balance, and alcohol warmth smooth into the finished beer.
WHAT YOU GET
- 1 Can Bewitched Amber Ale Brewing Extract (HME)
- 1 Packet Smooth LME
- 2 Packets Golden LME
- 1 Packet Crystal 40
- 2 Packets Saaz Hops
- 2 Muslin Hop Sacks
- 1 Packet S-05 Ale Yeast
- 1 Packet No-Rinse Cleanser
YOU PROVIDE
2 tablespoons vanilla extract, added 48 hours before bottling
FOR FANS OF
Shed Brewing Mountain Ale
Deschutes Jubelale
Winter warmers
Strong malty ales
BREW SPECS
BREW TIME
Brew Day: About 60–90 minutes
Fermentation: 3 weeks
Vanilla Addition: 48 hours before bottling
Carbonation and Conditioning: 4–6 weeks
Best Enjoyed: After 7–10 weeks total
Conditioning Note: Strong winter ales can taste young early on. Additional conditioning helps the malt richness, vanilla, and alcohol warmth become smoother and more balanced.
WHY THIS RECIPE
Why Brew It: This recipe is built for brewers who want a strong, smooth winter ale with rich malt flavor and a comforting vanilla finish. It has enough strength for cold-weather sipping, but enough balance to stay easy to enjoy.
Step-by-step brewing guide
How to Brew Shack on A Hilltop Strong Ale
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