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Recipe Kit Black IPA
The Black IPA is a fearsome, hoppy dark beer that makes 21 litres at 5.2 to 5.5% ABV. It runs from grapefruit citrus through to roasty espresso, slightly roasty with a medium body and a big whack of Simcoe hops over a dark grain addition. Everything you want, in one beer.
Makes 21L , about 28 bottles
5.2-5.5% ABV , Black IPA
Extract
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Recipe Kit Black IPA
Sale price$84.50
The details
A black IPA should taste like an IPA that happens to be dark, and that is the balance here. Simcoe hops bring grapefruit citrus and earthy spice, the dark grain addition adds roasty espresso notes and that black, opaque pour, and at 45 to 50 IBUs it finishes with a long, assertive bitterness. Bold, but drinkable.
The Black IPA is a fearsome, hoppy dark beer that makes 21 litres at 5.2 to 5.5% ABV. It runs from grapefruit citrus through to roasty espresso, slightly roasty with a medium body and a big whack of American hops over a dark grain addition. Everything you want, in one beer.
What it is like to brew
A black IPA should taste like an IPA that happens to be dark, and that is the balance here. The hops bring grapefruit citrus and earthy spice, the dark grain addition adds roasty espresso notes and that black, opaque pour, and at 45 to 50 IBUs it finishes with a long, assertive bitterness. Bold, but drinkable.
Why this kit works
- A big whack of American hops for grapefruit citrus and earthy spice
- Dark grain addition for roasty espresso notes and a black, opaque pour
- Assertive 45 to 50 IBU bitterness with a long finish
- A genuine hoppy dark beer, IPA character with a roasty edge
When it makes sense
A good choice when you want something bold that bridges an IPA and a dark beer. Suits hop lovers and dark-beer drinkers alike, and works well heading into cooler weather.
Specifications
| Style | American Black IPA |
|---|---|
| ABV | 5.2 to 5.5% |
| IBU | 45 to 50 |
| Colour (EBC) | 100 |
| Original gravity | 1.046 to 1.050 |
| Final gravity | 1.010 to 1.012 |
| Fermentation temp | 18 to 23°C |
| Batch volume | 21 litres |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Ready to drink | About 4 weeks |
What's in the box
- Malt extract with a dark grain addition (the fermentable base and roast character)
- American hops (grapefruit citrus and earthy spice)
- Ale yeast (ferments the sugars, produces the alcohol and carbonation)
- Step-by-step brew day instructions with weights and timings
Flavour profile
- Appearance: Black and opaque with a frothy off-white head
- Aroma: Grapefruit citrus and earthy spice with hints of roasty espresso
- Flavour: Hoppy and citrus-forward with a slightly roasty backbone
- Mouthfeel: Light to medium bodied
- Finish: Long, bitter and assertive
Hamish's verdict
The trick with a black IPA is to keep the roast from taking over. The dark grain here is there for colour and a hint of espresso, not for a stout-like roast, so serve it a little warmer than a lager and let the hop citrus lead.
Reviewed by the AHB Brewing Team, June 2026. Last updated June 2026.
What's In The Kit
- Malt extract with a dark grain addition: the fermentable base and roast character
- Simcoe hops: grapefruit citrus and earthy spice
- Ale yeast: ferments the sugars, produces the alcohol and carbonation
- Step-by-step brew day instructions with weights and timings
Brew Specs
- Style: American Black IPA
- ABV: 5.2 to 5.5%
- IBU: 45 to 50
- Colour (EBC): 100
- Original gravity: 1.046 to 1.050
- Final gravity: 1.010 to 1.012
- Fermentation temp: 18 to 23°C
- Batch volume: 21 litres
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Ready to drink: About 4 weeks
Flavour Profile
Appearance: Black and opaque with a frothy off-white head
Aroma: Grapefruit citrus and earthy spice with hints of roasty espresso
Flavour: Hoppy and citrus-forward with a slightly roasty backbone
Mouthfeel: Light to medium bodied
Finish: Long, bitter and assertive
Aroma: Grapefruit citrus and earthy spice with hints of roasty espresso
Flavour: Hoppy and citrus-forward with a slightly roasty backbone
Mouthfeel: Light to medium bodied
Finish: Long, bitter and assertive
Who it's for
A good choice when you want something bold that bridges an IPA and a dark beer. Suits hop lovers and dark-beer drinkers alike, and works well heading into cooler weather.
Buying from us
Quick answers
Questions about this product, shipping and orders. See the FAQ page for more topics.
Customer support:
Monday to Friday, 9-4pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
Monday to Friday, 9-4pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
Can I dry hop this kit?
Yes, and it makes a noticeable difference. Add at least 25 to 50g of pellet hops directly to the fermenter once active fermentation has slowed (around day 4 to 5). Leave for 3 to 5 days before bottling. Ella, Eclipse, Citra, Mosaic, or Galaxy all work well with hop-forward IPAs. Use a hop sock or fine mesh bag to keep the pellets contained, or just drop the hops loose directly into the fermenter.
My IPA tastes too bitter. What went wrong?
Bitterness above the expected range often means the fermentation temperature was too high, the wort was boiled too long with hops in, or the beer has not had enough time to age in the bottle. Ferment at the lower end of the recommended range (18 to 19 degrees C for most IPAs) and give the beer an extra week or two of bottle conditioning. Bitterness mellows significantly with time.
What is a malt extract recipe kit?
A malt extract kit provides the main fermentable sugars in a concentrated liquid or dry form, already converted from grain at a commercial brewery. You add water, yeast, hops, then ferment. It skips the grain mashing step, which cuts brew day down to about 30 to 45 minutes while still producing full-flavoured craft beer.
What is the difference between an extract kit and a fresh wort kit?
A fresh wort kit (FWK) delivers pre-brewed, unfermented wort in a bag, ready to pour straight into the fermenter and pitch yeast. No heating required. An extract kit requires you to dissolve the malt in hot water and add hops at various stages, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes. FWKs produce brewery-fresh flavour with almost zero work.
What equipment do I need to brew this kit?
You need a 30-litre fermenter with an airlock, a hydrometer, a thermometer, a long-handled spoon, a bottle capper, crown seals, and bottles. A no-rinse sanitiser is essential. AHB stocks no-rinse sanitiser specifically for home brewing. AHB starter kits include all of this in one bundle if you are starting from scratch.
How long from brew day to first drink?
Allow 4 to 6 weeks total. Fermentation takes 7 to 14 days depending on temperature. After bottling, the beer needs at least 2 to 3 weeks to condition and carbonate. Most kits are at their best around week 5 or 6.
Can a beginner brew this kit?
Yes. Extract recipe kits are the most approachable entry point to home brewing. The malt extract is already prepared, so there is no grain mashing or complex calculations involved. Follow the step-by-step instructions included and you will produce a solid result on your first brew.
Customer support:
Monday to Friday, 9-4pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
Monday to Friday, 9-4pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
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