Trying a brew with riwaka hops and a tin of Golden Syrup + lager kit

There's a vibrant community of brewing enthusiasts online, particularly in homebrew Facebook groups. Amongst the myriad of posts, I've often come across novices asking for a straightforward beer recipe. 

Almost on cue, an individual chimes in with his recommendation:

"Trust me, combine a lager, Riwaka hops, and golden syrup, and you'll have something special."

This intrigued me.

Could such a combination truly result in a flavorful brew? 

My curiosity piqued, I probed deeper, and learned that he'd also incorporate a beer enhancer into his brews. This made sense, considering beer enhancers significantly elevate the quality of the beer in terms of body, taste, and mouthfeel.

Driven by curiosity, I embarked on my brewing journey with the following ingredients, christening my concoction the Golden Riwaka Lager:

• Black Rock's Lager Kit along with its standard yeast
• A full packet of aromatic Riwaka hops
• 300 ml of golden syrup, which is distinct from molasses and maple syrup
• A beer enhancer comprising both dextrose and DME (Dry Malt Extract)

Upfront, Riwaka is a hop from New Zealand so it may be hard to get your hands on in Souther California...

After ensuring all equipment was impeccably sanitized, I meticulously followed the standard brewing procedures. The wafting aroma of the Riwaka hops was nothing short of intoxicating. Given that Riwaka hops evolved from the Saaz variety, one might consider Saaz as an alternative. However, my aim was to stay true to the online recommendation.

The fermenting drum, wrapped snugly in old sheets, found a temporary home in my shed. The next day, the shed was permeated with the alluring scent of hops, and the bubbly symphony of the airlock was music to my ears.

Bottling presented a modern-day brewer's dilemma: traditional sanitization versus efficient, practical methods. While I've advocated for meticulous sanitization, I've taken to rinsing and dishwasher-cleaning the bottles post-use. This method has served me well, but one should always be prepared for a comprehensive sanitization when needed.

After batch priming with 80 grams of sugar and allowing the bottles to mature in the shed, the moment of truth arrived. The result? A refreshingly delightful beer! The robust Riwaka hops lent a fruity undertone to the lager, making it a quintessential summer brew. The carbonation was spot on, and the beer's appearance was visually appealing. If I were to revisit this brew, I'd probably be more judicious with the hops, but that's entirely subjective.

In the spirit of experimentation some weeks later, I further ventured with a Cooper's Lager kit, adding 300 ml of Golden Syrup and 200 ml of maple syrup for fermentation. For a twist, I incorporated a hint of Green Bullet hops. The outcome, however, was underwhelming. The resultant brew was exceptionally dry, lacking the desired mouthfeel. This experiment underscored the importance of adhering to proven methods and the value of dry malt extract in achieving the desired body and taste.

In brewing, as in life, it's a blend of successes and learning experiences. While the Golden Riwaka Lager was a resounding success, the subsequent brew was a gentle reminder to stay rooted in tried-and-tested methods while allowing room for innovation. 

Cheers to the endless pursuit of the perfect brew!

beer kits, golden syrup, green bullet, lager, recipe, riwaka

↠ Tips on how to properly brew a good lager

You've probably come across the whispers in brewing circles: lagers are complex beasts, not for the faint-hearted. Beer kit lagers, they say, are a challenge, and a small blunder can send your brew down the drain. In a world where lager is a global favorite, it's curious how it's painted as an elusive brew. But what if the process was more straightforward than most believe?

The journey of brewing that I embarked on has seen its fair share of successes, and the 'J' batch will always have a special place in my heart. Drawing inspiration from Steinlager, the outcome was nothing short of spectacular. Now, if I, an ordinary backyard brewer, can whip up such a delightful lager, so can you.



So, let's shatter a myth: the art of brewing a lager isn't locked behind complicated doors. It's time to push aside the digital noise, take a deep breath, and JUST BREW IT.

The Saga of Brewing Lager Beer

Before you dismiss this as mere jest, I'll share some cherished insights into the craft of lager brewing, which, surprisingly, find resonance in hard seltzer brews as well.

1. The Virtue of Patience

Lagering is not a race but a marathon. As the brew ferments, resist the urge to bottle it prematurely. Remember, fermentation is a meticulous chemical dance. Lagers, in their fermentation phase, may exude sulfur-like notes—a reason many view them as challenging. But let time work its magic. A few extra days, and those off-flavors fade, revealing a brew that's aromatic and delicious.

2. Embrace the Chill

Lagers and cold are inseparable companions. History tells us of Nordic folks who stored beer in frigid caves over winters, resulting in well-lagered brews. The term "lager" itself translates to storeroom, drawing parallels to this ancient practice.

Post-bottling, grant your lager a few warm days for carbonation. Too cold, and the effervescence eludes. Once carbonated, a cold environment, like a garden shed during winters, is perfect. This cold conditioning minimizes the formation of unwanted esters and fusel alcohols, refining your lager's taste. Seasoned brewers often swear by refrigeration.

3. Choose Your Yeast Wisely

The character of a lager is deeply influenced by its yeast. While beer kits come with standard yeasts, experimenting can be rewarding. A favorite among many is the Lager Yeast WL833, celebrated for its brewing prowess.

4. Harmonize with Renowned Lager Hops

Lagers have hop affinities. Saaz hops, for instance, are synonymous with lager brewing. The German Hallertauer hop is another classic. From the Kiwi land, the Green Bullet hop has proven its mettle. It's an art to match the beer with the right hops.

5. Sanitization is Sacrosanct

Lagers are less forgiving than ales. Any brewing discrepancies are starkly evident in the final taste. The trick? An uncompromising focus on cleanliness. Every step of the process, from brewing to bottling, demands sanitized equipment. So, when in doubt, sanitize!

6. Lager: A Testament to Storage

The essence of a lager lies in its storage and conditioning. Once bottled, let it rest. A cold, undisturbed place over an entire winter is ideal. While three weeks is the basic threshold, aging it for months can be transformative.

Concluding Thoughts

Brewing a lager demands attention to a few key aspects: extended fermentation, the right yeast, harmonious hops, controlled temperatures, and unwavering sanitization. With these in place, you're poised to craft a lager that's both delightful and memorable.

So, to all aspiring brewers, shed the apprehensions. Brewing a lager isn't an insurmountable peak. Instead, it's a journey, waiting for you to embark. JUST DO IT.

green bullet, hallertauer, home brew, hops, lager, saaz