Recipe Kit Californian Lager

Name: Recipe Kit Californian Lager
Brand: Australian Home Brewing
SKU: 35950
Price: 54.9 AUD
Availability: InStock

$54.90

The Californian Lager is an American-style session lager built around US-grown Loral hops, which give it more aroma and character than a standard lager without tipping into hop-forward territory.

Quantity:

Makes 21L , about 28 bottles

4.4-4.6% ABV , Californian Lager

Extract

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Australian Home Brewing Recipe Kit Californian Lager

$54.90

The details

This is a lager you can brew without a fridge. The yeast ferments clean at 18 to 20°C and the late Loral hop addition does the heavy lifting on aroma, so you get grapefruit and citrus over a soft floral, herbal backbone. The result drinks like a warm-weather session beer that disappears faster than you expect.

The Californian Lager is an American-style session lager built around German-grown Hersbrucker hops, which give it more aroma and character than a standard lager without tipping into hop-forward territory. It makes 21 litres of clean, crisp, light golden beer at 4.4 to 4.6% ABV, and it suits any brewer who wants a lager that ferments reliably at ale temperatures.

What it is like to brew

This is a lager you can brew without a fridge. The yeast ferments clean at 18 to 20°C and the late Hersbrucker hop addition does the heavy lifting on aroma, so you get grapefruit and citrus over a soft floral, herbal backbone. The result drinks like a warm-weather session beer that disappears faster than you expect.

Why this kit works

Ferments clean at ale temperatures (18 to 20°C), so no temperature-controlled fridge is needed
German Hersbrucker hops added late for a grapefruit, citrus and floral aroma you rarely get from a plain lager
Pre-measured ingredients and step-by-step instructions, so brew day is straightforward
Makes 21 litres, roughly 28 longnecks or 55 stubbies

When it makes sense

A good option when you want a genuine lager character but do not have temperature control. Works well for newer brewers stepping up from a basic kit, and for experienced brewers who want an easy-drinking summer beer with a more interesting hop profile.

Specifications

Style	American-style session lager
ABV	4.4 to 4.6%
IBU	20 to 25
Colour (EBC)	8
Original gravity	1.040 to 1.042
Final gravity	1.010 to 1.012
Fermentation temp	18 to 20°C
Batch volume	21 litres
Difficulty	Beginner friendly
Ready to drink	About 4 weeks

What's in the box

Light malt extract (the fermentable base that becomes the beer)
German Hersbrucker hops (late addition for grapefruit, citrus and floral aroma)
Clean lager-style yeast (ferments the sugars and sets the crisp finish)
Step-by-step brew day instructions with weights and timings

Flavour profile

Appearance: Light golden yellow with a frothy white head
Aroma: Grapefruit and citrus up front, with floral, herbal and lightly earthy notes behind
Flavour: Smooth malt character carrying the Hersbrucker hop aroma through
Mouthfeel: Light and clean
Finish: Fresh, crisp and lingering

Hamish's verdict

Hersbrucker is the reason to brew this one. Add it late and keep your ferment steady around 18 to 20°C, and you get a lager with real aroma without needing a lagering fridge. If you have only ever brewed plain draught kits, this is a noticeable step up in interest for very little extra effort.

Reviewed by the AHB Brewing Team, June 2026. Last updated June 2026.

What's In The Kit

Light malt extract: the fermentable base that becomes the beer
US Loral hops: late addition for grapefruit, citrus and floral aroma
Clean lager-style yeast: ferments the sugars and sets the crisp finish
Step-by-step brew day instructions with weights and timings

Brew Specs

Style: American-style session lager
ABV: 4.4 to 4.6%
IBU: 20 to 25
Colour (EBC): 8
Original gravity: 1.040 to 1.042
Final gravity: 1.010 to 1.012
Fermentation temp: 18 to 20°C
Batch volume: 21 litres
Difficulty: Beginner friendly
Ready to drink: About 4 weeks

Flavour Profile

Appearance: Light golden yellow with a frothy white head
Aroma: Grapefruit and citrus up front, with floral, herbal and lightly earthy notes behind
Flavour: Smooth malt character carrying the Loral hop aroma through
Mouthfeel: Light and clean
Finish: Fresh, crisp and lingering

Who it's for

A good option when you want a genuine lager character but do not have temperature control. Works well for newer brewers stepping up from a basic kit, and for experienced brewers who want an easy-drinking summer beer with a more interesting hop profile.

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.

What are Hersbrucker hops and what do they taste like?

Hersbrucker is a German-grown noble hop that gives floral, herbal and lightly earthy aroma with a soft citrus note. It adds more aromatic interest than the hops used in a standard lager, without becoming aggressive or bitter.

Do I need a fridge or temperature control to brew this?

No. This kit uses a clean lager-style yeast that ferments well at ale temperatures of 18 to 20 degrees C, so a steady room temperature is enough. You get lager-like crispness without a temperature-controlled fridge.

How much beer does this kit make?

It makes 21 litres, which is roughly 28 longneck bottles (750ml) or about 55 stubbies (330ml).

What equipment do I need to brew this kit?

A fermenter with lid and airlock, a no-rinse sanitiser, a thermometer, a hydrometer, and bottles or a keg for packaging. Our starter equipment kits include everything you need.

How long until I can drink it?

Allow about 1 to 2 weeks for fermentation, then 1 to 2 weeks of conditioning in the bottle to carbonate and clean up. Around 4 weeks from brew day to a cold one.

Customer support:
Monday to Friday, 9-4pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.

Complete the brew