If you're after a beer with real character — something smooth, malt-forward and a bit special — the Hounds Tooth Scotch Brown Ale is the one. Created by our Master Brewer Matthew, it's one of those recipes that just works from the first brew. Rich roasted malt flavours meet a gentle balance of American and British hops, giving you a beer that's easy to drink and genuinely impressive to pour for your mates.

This kit was put together with first-time and early-stage brewers in mind — but don't let that sell it short. The recipe is genuinely outstanding. Matthew spent numerious brews developing it, and the pre-measured ingredients and clear step-by-step instructions make the brew day straightforward, even if it's your first go. You get the satisfaction of brewing something impressive without the stress of figuring it all out from scratch.

What's in the Box?

Your Hounds Tooth Scotch Brown Ale kit includes:

• Beermakers Old malt extract base
• A specialty ale yeast selected for this style
• Liquid malt extract
• A blend of three roasted and caramel specialty grains
• A carefully chosen combination of American and English hops

Full brew day instructions, exact measurements, and everything you need to know is included in the box. No guesswork required.

Tasting Notes

Appearance  Deep amber-brown with ruby highlights. Clear and inviting.

Aroma  Toasted malt, a hint of caramel, subtle roast. Gentle hop character in the background.

Mouthfeel  Smooth and medium-bodied. Satisfying without being heavy. The kind of beer you actually finish.

Flavour  Rich roasted malt up front, balanced by the hop blend. Finishes clean with a touch of sweetness.

Perfect For

First-time home brewers wanting a recipe that actually tastes great

Anyone who enjoys malt-forward, sessionable beers — think dark ales, Scottish ales, English browns

Brewing a batch for a dinner, gathering, or just a quiet night in the shed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this kit suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. The Hounds Tooth Scotch Brown Ale kit was designed with beginner and early-stage brewers in mind. Everything is pre-measured and the step-by-step instructions walk you through the whole process. No experience is needed — just follow the guide and you'll end up with a beer you're genuinely proud of.

How long does it take to brew?

Brew day itself usually takes a few hours from start to finish, including cleaning and setup. After that, you'll need to allow around two to three weeks for fermentation and conditioning before your beer is ready to drink. The full timeline is detailed in your box instructions.

What equipment do I need?

You'll need basic home brewing equipment — a fermenter, an airlock, a hydrometer, some sanitiser, and a way to bottle or keg your finished beer. If you don't have anything yet, check out our beginner equipment kits. We've put together everything you need to get started without overcomplicating it.

How much beer does this kit make?

This kit produces approximately 23 litres of finished beer — roughly a case and a half of stubbies. Enough to share, and enough to keep a few back for yourself.

What does a Scotch Brown Ale taste like?

A Scotch Brown Ale is all about smooth, rich malt flavour. Think toasted grain, a hint of caramel, and a gentle roasty character — with just enough hop balance to keep things clean. It's a beer that's easy to drink and easy to enjoy. Most people who try it say something like: 'That's smooth... a bit toasty... I'd have another one of those.'

Do I need to add anything else, or is everything in the kit?

Everything you need for the recipe is included in the box. The only things you'll add yourself are water and basic brewing sanitiser. Full measurements and instructions are in the box — you won't need to weigh or source anything separately.

What temperature do I need to ferment at?

This beer ferments best between 18°C and 22°C, which is comfortable room temperature for most Australian homes. You don't need specialist temperature control equipment for this kit, though a consistent temperature will always give you better results. Your box instructions will cover this in more detail.

Can I brew this kit without any previous experience?

Yes, and that's the point. The recipe was carefully developed by our Master Brewer, and the kit is set up so that a first-time brewer can achieve a genuinely great result. The instructions are clear, the ingredients are pre-measured, and we're always here if you get stuck. Give it a go — you'll be surprised what you can make.