Clean, crisp, and full of character — the Californian Lager is an American-style session lager that puts a genuinely interesting hop variety front and centre. US-grown Loral hops, added late to maximise aromatic impact, deliver a wonderful grapefruit and citrus aroma underpinned by floral, herbal, and lightly earthy notes — more complex and interesting than a standard lager, without being aggressive. Light golden in the glass with a frothy white head, smooth malt character, and a fresh, crisp, lingering finish. At 4.4–4.6% ABV, this is a beer that disappears quickly on a warm day, and that’s entirely the point.

Why brewers love this kit

Loral is a hop variety that not everyone has encountered, and once you taste what it does in a clean lager format you understand why it’s becoming increasingly sought after in craft brewing. Its combination of grapefruit, floral, and herbal character is distinctive without being overwhelming, and the late addition technique used in this recipe preserves the most delicate aromatic oils right through to the pour. The Californian Lager Yeast produces a clean, crisp fermentation at ale-friendly temperatures (18–20°C), so you get genuine lager character without needing cold fermentation equipment. .

What’s in the box

Each kit contains a light malt extract base, US-grown Loral hop additions (late addition for aroma and flavour),& Californian Lager Yeast. Full ingredient details, weights, and complete brew day instructions are included in the box.

Brewing Notes

• Style: American Craft Lager
• Fermentation Range: 18 - 20°C
• Colour EBC: 8 - 12
• IBUs: 20 – 25 balanced with a moderate satisfying bitterness
• Original Gravity: 1.040 – 1.042
• Final Gravity: 1.010 – 1.012
• ABV: 4.4 – 4.6%
• Volume 21lt
• Recipe Style: Malt Extract Beer Kit

Tasting Notes

• Hop Aroma & Flavour: Wonderful floral & herbal notes followed by a backdrop of citrus & earthy character.
• Appearance:  Light golden yellow with a frothy white head
• Mouthfeel: Smooth malt character with a fresh, crisp & lingering finish.

 

FAQ's

What are Loral hops and what makes them special?

Loral is a relatively new American hop variety released in 2016 that has quickly earned a reputation for its unusually broad and complex flavour profile. It produces a combination of dark stone fruit, floral, herbal, and citrus character , particularly grapefruit — alongside subtle earthy and spicy notes. It works beautifully in clean showcasing recipes like this lager.

Do I need to ferment this cold?

No ,the Californian Lager Yeast is designed to produce a clean, neutral, lager-like character at ale temperatures (18–20°C). You get the crisp finish without needing temperature control below 15°C. It’s one of the most practical and reliable yeasts in the range.

How is this different from the James Boag Lager kit?

Both use the Californian Lager Yeast, but the hops are completely different. The James Boag kit uses German Hersbrucker Noble hops for elegant, refined bitterness. This Californian Lager uses US Loral for a more citrus and floral-forward hop character , more modern and fruit-forward while staying light and sessionable.

How much beer does this kit make?

21 litres — approximately 28 × 750ml longnecks or 55 × 330ml stubbies.

How long does it take?

Fermentation typically takes 7–10 days at 18–20°C, followed by 1–2 weeks of bottle conditioning. Serve very cold for the best result.

Is this kit suitable for someone new to home brewing?

It’s one of the most approachable kits in the range. The Californian Lager Yeast is forgiving, the temperature range is broad, and the result is a clean, impressive beer that’s hard to get wrong.