How to Make a Lager Home Brew

Making your own home brew is fun and economical; you also control the ingredients in your home brew. You can brew lager from scratch or buy a home brew kit. Lagers include American lagers, Pilsners, Bocks and special Octorberfest beers. Here are a few tips to help you make a lager home brew.

Instructions

1. Start with a home brew brewing kit to make lager for the first time. The kit and ingredients will help you understand the home brew process before attempting a recipe from scratch.

2. Decide on the type of lager you want to brew. American lagers are generally lighter than German lagers. There are also dark lagers you can brew. Lager contains malt extract, bittering hops and finishing hops. Hops will vary in type and amount depending on the type of lager you want to brew. If you have a favorite beer, find out what type of lager it is so you can buy a home brew kit that is closest to the taste of it.

3. Assemble the tools and supplies you'll need to brew the lager. In addition to the home brew kit, you will need a large stainless steel pot, a fermenter, an airlock, racking cane, a hydrometer, thermometer, siphon hose and sterile bottles. You'll also need a paddle or long wooden spoon for stirring, bottle capper and bottle caps.

4. Sterilize all the equipment you'll be using. If equipment isn't sterilized, bacteria can kill the yeast needed for the home brew. Clean the area you'll be using as your brewing station and place everything within easy reach.

5. Follow the recipe directions included in the home brew kit for lager. It's important to follow the recipe when first attempting to make a home brewed lager. If you aren't happy with the result, you'll understand better the next time how to tweak the recipe.

6. Prepare an area for the freshly bottled lager; home brew should be stored in a cool, dark place until the brew is ready to drink. If you don't have a basement, store the beer out of sunlight and away from sources of heat for the best results.

Resources

• Check out the Skotrat website for more information about how to make a lager home brew.