Creative homebrew beer ideas and suggestions to inspire your next brew:

 

  1. Rooibos Red Ale

Inspired by the earthy, slightly sweet flavours of rooibos tea, this unique take on a red ale brings a South African twist to a traditional style.

  • Base: Pale malt, caramel malt
  • Hops: Cascade for mild bitterness
  • Additions: Rooibos tea (steeped and added at the end of the boil)
  • Yeast: English Ale Yeast
  • Tasting Notes: Expect a malty backbone with subtle notes of honey and tea-like tannins, and a smooth finish.

 

  1. Mango and Chili IPA

Combining the tropical fruitiness of mango with a spicy kick, this IPA balances sweetness, bitterness, and heat for an unforgettable brew.

  • Base: Pale malt, wheat malt
  • Hops: Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe for a fruity aroma
  • Additions: Fresh mango puree in the fermenter and a touch of chili (added during the boil or at bottling, depending on heat preference)
  • Yeast: American Ale Yeast
  • Tasting Notes: Tropical fruit flavours with a hoppy bitterness and a subtle warming spice in the aftertaste.

 

  1. Peanut Butter Porter

For the more adventurous brewer, a peanut butter porter combines the richness of dark malt with the creamy, nutty taste of peanut butter.

  • Base: Pale malt, chocolate malt, roasted barley
  • Hops: Fuggle for a mild, earthy bitterness
  • Additions: Natural peanut butter or powdered peanut butter (added during secondary fermentation)
  • Yeast: English Ale Yeast
  • Tasting Notes: Rich, smooth, and creamy, with roasted malt flavours complemented by the nutty peanut butter character.
  1. Lemongrass & Ginger Saison

This light and refreshing saison has a fragrant twist of lemongrass and ginger, perfect for warm summer days.

  • Base: Pilsner malt, wheat malt
  • Hops: Saaz for a light floral bitterness
  • Additions: Fresh lemongrass and ginger (added in the last 10 minutes of the boil)
  • Yeast: Belgian Saison Yeast
  • Tasting Notes: Zesty and spicy, with a hint of citrus and a crisp, dry finish.

 

  1. Maple Bacon Stout

For lovers of rich, dessert-like beers, this stout brings the deep flavours of maple syrup and smoky bacon.

  • Base: Pale malt, chocolate malt, roasted barley, oats
  • Hops: East Kent Goldings for a subtle bitterness
  • Additions: Maple syrup (added during fermentation), liquid smoke or smoked malt, and bacon extract (optional)
  • Yeast: American Ale Yeast
  • Tasting Notes: Rich, roasty, and slightly sweet with a smoky bacon undertone, perfect for sipping on cold evenings.

 

  1. New Zealand Pilsner

A crisp, clean pilsner that showcases the unique tropical fruit and white wine-like characteristics of New Zealand hops.

  • Base: Pilsner malt
  • Hops: Nelson Sauvin and Motueka for tropical fruit and wine-like aromas
  • Yeast: Lager yeast for a clean fermentation
  • Tasting Notes: Crisp and refreshing with bright notes of passionfruit, gooseberry, and white wine.

 

  1. Chocolate Orange Stout

A decadent stout inspired by the classic combination of chocolate and orange.

  • Base: Pale malt, chocolate malt, roasted barley
  • Hops: Fuggle for a mild bitterness
  • Additions: Cacao nibs and orange zest (added during fermentation)
  • Yeast: English Ale Yeast
  • Tasting Notes: Rich and velvety with deep chocolate notes and a bright citrus finish.