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Recipe Kit James Boag Premium Lager
This kit is our clone of James Boag's Premium, the elegant Tasmanian lager known for its clarity, refined bitterness and clean finish.
Makes 21L
5% ABV , James Boag Premium Lager
Extract
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Recipe Kit James Boag Premium Lager
Sale price$67.50
The details
A premium lager has to be clean above all, and the M54 California Lager yeast is how you get there without temperature control. It ferments at 18 to 20°C while staying neutral and lager-like, and the Hersbrucker hops give a subtle floral and mildly spicy note over a delicate malt base. Brew it well and you have a lager you would be proud to put in front of anyone.
This kit is our clone of James Boag's Premium, the elegant Tasmanian lager known for its clarity, refined bitterness and clean finish. It makes 21 litres at around 5% ABV using German Hersbrucker hops and Mangrove Jack's M54 California Lager yeast, which ferments clean at ale temperatures. You get a polished premium lager character without needing a lagering fridge.
What it is like to brew
A premium lager has to be clean above all, and the M54 California Lager yeast is how you get there without temperature control. It ferments at 18 to 20°C while staying neutral and lager-like, and the Hersbrucker hops give a subtle floral and mildly spicy note over a delicate malt base. Brew it well and you have a lager you would be proud to put in front of anyone.
Why this kit works
- German Hersbrucker noble hops for a refined, floral, mildly spicy character
- Mangrove Jack's M54 California Lager yeast for a clean, crisp finish at ale temperatures
- Brilliantly clear pale golden straw colour when cold conditioned
- Ferments at 18 to 20°C, no lagering fridge needed
When it makes sense
A good option when you want a clean, premium Tasmanian-style lager but do not have temperature control. Suits beginners after a familiar refined style and experienced brewers who want a reliable, easy-drinking house lager.
Specifications
| Style | Premium lager |
|---|---|
| ABV | Approximately 4.9% |
| IBU | 25 |
| Colour (EBC) | 12 |
| OG | 1.050 |
| Final gravity | 1.014-15 |
| Fermentation temp | 18 to 20°C |
| Batch volume | 21 litres |
| Difficulty | Beginner friendly |
| Ready to drink | About 4 to 5 weeks |
What's in the box
- Light lager malt extract (the fermentable base that becomes the beer)
- German Hersbrucker hop additions (refined floral and spicy noble character)
- Mangrove Jack's M54 California Lager yeast (clean fermentation at ale temperature)
- Step-by-step brew day instructions with weights and timings
Flavour profile
- Appearance: Brilliantly clear pale golden straw with a fine white head
- Aroma: Subtle floral and mildly spicy Hersbrucker noble hop over a clean malt backbone
- Flavour: Delicate, clean and balanced, true to a premium lager
- Mouthfeel: Crisp, light bodied and exceptionally clean
- Finish: Dry and refreshing with a gentle lingering bitterness
Hamish's verdict
The M54 California Lager yeast is what lets this drink like a premium lager without a fridge. Hold it steady at 18 to 20°C and give it a proper cold conditioning before you open the first bottle. That cold conditioning is what brings out the clarity and the clean, crisp finish.
Reviewed by the AHB Brewing Team, June 2026. Last updated June 2026.
What's In The Kit
- Light lager malt extract: the fermentable base that becomes the beer
- German Hersbrucker hop additions: refined floral and spicy noble character
- Mangrove Jack's M54 California Lager yeast: clean fermentation at ale temperature
- Step-by-step brew day instructions with weights and timings
Brew Specs
- Style: Premium lager
- ABV: Approximately 4.9%
- IBU: 25
- Colour (EBC): 12
- OG: 1.050
- Final gravity: 1.014-15
- Fermentation temp: 18 to 20°C
- Batch volume: 21 litres
- Difficulty: Beginner friendly
- Ready to drink: About 4 to 5 weeks
Flavour Profile
Appearance: Brilliantly clear pale golden straw with a fine white head
Aroma: Subtle floral and mildly spicy Hersbrucker noble hop over a clean malt backbone
Flavour: Delicate, clean and balanced, true to a premium lager
Mouthfeel: Crisp, light bodied and exceptionally clean
Finish: Dry and refreshing with a gentle lingering bitterness
Aroma: Subtle floral and mildly spicy Hersbrucker noble hop over a clean malt backbone
Flavour: Delicate, clean and balanced, true to a premium lager
Mouthfeel: Crisp, light bodied and exceptionally clean
Finish: Dry and refreshing with a gentle lingering bitterness
Who it's for
A good option when you want a clean, premium Tasmanian-style lager but do not have temperature control. Suits beginners after a familiar refined style and experienced brewers who want a reliable, easy-drinking house lager.
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.
Is this an official James Boag's product?
No. This is an independent clone recipe inspired by James Boag's Premium. It is not affiliated with, licensed by or endorsed by the brand owner.
Do I really need to ferment this below 18 degrees C?
For the best result, yes. This is a true lager and the yeast performs at its finest around 12 to 15 degrees C, which produces the ultra-clean character lager is known for. It will still make a good, clean beer if you can hold anything below 18 degrees C, so a cool shed or spare room in the cooler months can work.
What are Hersbrucker hops and what do they bring?
Hersbrucker is a traditional German noble hop prized for a refined, elegant bitterness with floral and mildly spicy notes. It gives this kit the polished, clean character of a premium European lager, very different from the big citrus and tropical hops used in modern craft ales.
How much beer does this kit make?
It makes 21 litres, which is roughly 28 longneck bottles (750ml) or about 55 stubbies (330ml).
How long until I can drink it?
Allow around 2 to 3 weeks for fermentation at lager temperatures, then at least 1 to 2 weeks of cold conditioning in the bottle. A properly cold-conditioned lager from this kit is worth the extra patience.
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.
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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