STEP 1: Sanitizing

STEP 2: BREWING

Brewing beer is the process of combining a starch source (in this case, a malt brewing extract) with yeast. Once combined, the yeast eats the sugars in the malt, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide (CO2). This process is called fermentation.

1. Remove the yeast packet from under the lid of the can of Brewing Extract, it's not needed for this recipe, then place the unopened can in hot tap water.

2. Using the measuring cup, pour 4 cups of water into your clean 3-quart or larger pot, then add in the brown sugar. Stirring constantly until the brown sugar is dissolved, bring water to a boil, then remove from heat. .

3. Open the can of Brewing Extract and pour the contents into the hot mixture in your pot. Stir until thoroughly mixed. This mixture of unfermented beer is called wort.

4. Fill your fermenter with cold tap water to the mark 1 on the back. If using any other fermenter this would be approximately 1 gallon of water.

5. Pour the wort into your fermenter, and then bring the volume of the fermenter to mark 2 by adding more cold water. (If you have a different fermenter top it off with cold water to the 8.5-liter mark).

6. Stir your wort mixture vigorously with your sanitized spoon or whisk.

7. Sprinkle the S-33 yeast packet into the keg, and screw on the lid. Do not stir.

Put your fermenter in a location with a consistent temperature between 65° and 76° F (20°-25° C), and out of direct sunlight. Ferment for 14 days.

STEP 3: Adding Extras

Adding extras is the process of adding additional ingredients to a beer which will impart more flavor and aroma in your finished brew.

1. At the 1 week mark, sanitize your measuring spoon. Spread the pumpkin in a thin layer in a shallow pan and cover the pan with foil. Bake at 350° F for 30-45 minutes until the pumpkin begins to brown and the sugars caramelize, watch it carefully so it doesn't burn. Once the color and aroma is developed turn the oven off and allow the pan to remain inside until cooled to 70°F(about an hour). Once cool, mix the pumpkin pie spice with the pumpkin puree and carefully add into your fermenter. 

STEP 4: Bottling & Carbonating

After 14 days, taste a small sample to determine if the beer is fully fermented and ready to bottle. If it tastes like flat beer, it is ready. If it’s sweet, then it’s not ready. Let it ferment for 3 more days (17 total). At this point it is time to bottle. Do not let it sit in the fermenter for longer than 24 days total.

1.When your beer is ready to bottle, fill a 1-gallon container with warm water, then add the remaining ½ pack of the No-Rinse Cleanser and stir until dissolved. Once dissolved, it is ready to use.

2.Distribute the cleaning solution equally among the bottles. Screw on caps (or cover with metal cap if using glass bottles) and shake bottles vigorously. Allow to sit 10 minutes, then shake the bottles again. Remove caps and empty all cleaning solution into a large bowl. Use this solution to clean any other equipment you may be using for bottling. Do not rinse.

3.Add 2 Carbonation Drops to each 740-mL bottle. For 1-liter bottles, add 2 ½ drops; for ½-liter bottles add 1 drop. Alternatively, you can add table sugar using this table as a guide. 

4.Holding the bottle at an angle, fill each bottle to about 2 inches from the bottle’s top.

5.Place caps on bottles, hand tighten, and gently turn the bottle over to check the bottle’s seal. It is not necessary to shake them.

6.Store the bottles upright and out of direct sunlight in a location with a consistent temperature between 70°-76°F or 21°-24°C. Allow to sit for a minimum of 14 days. If the temperature is cooler than suggested it may take an additional week to reach full carbonation. 

Tip from our Brewmasters

After the primary carbonation has taken place your beer is ready to drink. We recommend putting 1 bottle in the refrigerator at first for 48 hrs. After 48hrs. give it a try and if it is up to your liking put the rest of your beer in the fridge. If it does not taste quite right, leave the bottles out at room temp for another week or so. Keep following this method until your brew tastes just how you like it. 

This process is called conditioning and during this time the yeast left in your beer can help clean up any off flavors. Almost everything gets a little better with time and so will your beer.