Ben Franklin Beer Recipe: Easy Homemade Brew Guide

Ben Franklin was not only a founding father and a man of many talents but also a lover of good beer. Inspired by his passion for brewing and the rich history behind his name, the Ben Franklin beer recipe brings a delightful taste of colonial America right to your glass.

This beer captures the essence of early American brewing traditions, combining simple yet flavorful ingredients to create a smooth, balanced ale. Whether you’re a homebrewing enthusiast or a curious beginner, this recipe offers a rewarding brewing experience that honors the legacy of one of America’s greatest innovators.

Brewing this beer at home allows you to connect with history while enjoying a refreshing drink that’s perfect for any occasion. From its malty sweetness to the subtle hop bitterness, the Ben Franklin beer is a true testament to classic brewing.

Ready to try your hand at making a piece of history? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ben Franklin beer recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to craft a traditional ale with a smooth and approachable flavor profile. It’s perfect for those who appreciate history and want to bring a part of it into their brewing routine.

The recipe:

• Uses accessible ingredients that you can easily find.
• Is beginner-friendly but offers room for experimentation.
• Results in a beer that pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods.

Whether you’re brewing for a casual get-together or a historical-themed event, this beer will impress your guests. Plus, it’s a great way to learn about the evolution of beer making in America.

Ingredients

• 6.6 lbs Pale Malt Extract (liquid or dry)
• 1 lb Crystal Malt (60L) – for sweetness and color
• 1 oz East Kent Goldings Hops (bittering)
• 0.5 oz Fuggle Hops (aroma)
• 1 tsp Irish Moss – helps clarify the beer
• 1 packet English Ale yeast (such as Safale S-04)
• 5 gallons water
• Priming sugar (for bottling)

Equipment

• 5-gallon brew kettle
• Fermentation vessel with airlock
• Thermometer
• Hydrometer (to measure specific gravity)
• Sanitizing solution (Star San or similar)
• Large stirring spoon
• Bottling bucket with spigot
• Bottles and caps
• Capper

Instructions

1. Prepare your equipment: Sanitize all your brewing equipment thoroughly to prevent contamination.
2. Steep the specialty grains: Heat 2.5 gallons of water in your brew kettle to about 155°F. Place the crushed crystal malt in a muslin bag and steep for 30 minutes. Remove the grains and allow the water to drain from the bag back into the kettle.
3. Add malt extract: Remove the kettle from heat and stir in the pale malt extract until fully dissolved. Return the kettle to heat and bring to a boil.
4. Boil and add hops: Once boiling, add 1 oz of East Kent Goldings hops and start a 60-minute timer. With 15 minutes left, add the Irish Moss. In the final 5 minutes, add 0.5 oz of Fuggle hops for aroma.
5. Cool the wort: After the 60-minute boil, cool the wort quickly using an ice bath or wort chiller until it reaches about 70°F.
6. Transfer to fermenter: Pour the cooled wort into the sanitized fermentation vessel. Top up with water to reach 5 gallons.
7. Pitch the yeast: Sprinkle the yeast packet onto the wort’s surface and seal the fermenter with an airlock.
8. Fermentation: Place the fermenter in a dark, cool area (around 65-70°F). Allow the beer to ferment for 1-2 weeks until bubbling subsides.
9. Check gravity: Use a hydrometer to ensure fermentation is complete. The specific gravity should be stable over 2-3 days.
10. Bottle the beer: Boil priming sugar in water, add it to the bottling bucket, then siphon the beer into it. Fill sanitized bottles and cap them.
11. Condition: Store bottles at room temperature for 2 weeks to carbonate, then refrigerate before serving.

Tips & Variations

“Patience is key when brewing—rushing fermentation or bottling can affect the beer’s flavor and clarity.”

• For a stronger beer, increase the malt extract by 1-2 pounds.
• Experiment with different English hop varieties to tweak the bitterness and aroma.
• Add a pinch of coriander or orange peel during the last 5 minutes of the boil for a hint of citrus.
• Try dry hopping with Fuggle hops after primary fermentation for enhanced aroma.
• Use a yeast starter if you want a faster and more vigorous fermentation.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

The Ben Franklin beer is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Its mild bitterness and malty backbone make it ideal for enjoying with:

• Hearty stews and roasted meats
• Cheese boards featuring sharp cheddar or gouda
• Grilled vegetables and lighter summer salads
• Classic pub fare such as fish and chips or burgers

Serve it chilled in a traditional pint glass to fully appreciate the color and aroma. This beer also shines at historical reenactments or casual gatherings where you want to impress guests with a homemade brew.

Conclusion

Brewing the Ben Franklin beer recipe is more than just making a drink; it’s an opportunity to connect with history and enjoy the craftsmanship of early American brewing. This recipe balances simplicity with authentic flavors, making it accessible to brewers of all skill levels.

The end result is a smooth, flavorful ale that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Whether you’re a history buff, a homebrewing enthusiast, or simply looking for a great new beer to try, this recipe offers a rewarding experience. Enjoy the process, savor the taste, and raise a glass to one of America’s greatest founding fathers!

For more brewing inspiration, check out our Classic Ale Recipe, Colonial Stout Brew, and Homemade Pale Ale recipes.

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