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Recipe Kit Newcastle Brown Ale
This is our take on Newcastle Brown Ale, the Northern English icon poured in pubs around the world for nearly a century.
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The details
This is our take on Newcastle Brown Ale, the Northern English icon poured in pubs around the world for nearly a century. Rich, malty and unmistakably brown, with a deep copper colour, a smooth roasted backbone, soft toffee sweetness and the earthy, resinous bitterness only English Fuggles hops deliver. A classic English ale yeast adds the subtle fruity esters the style is known for. It makes a proper Northern brown ale.
What it is like to brew
English brown ales reward good ingredients and a little patience, and this kit has both. The malt extract base delivers the signature deep copper colour and roasted chocolate character without complicating brew day, and Fuggles, one of the most historically significant British hops, gives the trademark earthy, herbal bitterness that cuts through the malt. It ferments clean at room temperature.
Why this kit works
- Deep copper colour and smooth roasted, toffee malt character
- English Fuggles hops for trademark earthy, herbal bitterness
- Classic English ale yeast for subtle fruity esters
- Ferments at room temperature, straightforward brew day
When it makes sense
The kit for anyone who has cracked a Newcy Brown and wanted to brew their own. A satisfying, full-flavoured brown ale that drinks easily and suits cooler months.
Specifications
| Style | English brown ale |
|---|---|
| ABV | 4.8% |
| IBU | 25 |
| Colour (EBC) | 24 |
| Original gravity | 1.048 |
| Final gravity | 1.012 to 1.014 |
| Fermentation temp | 18 to 22 C (ale yeast) |
| Batch volume | 21 litres |
| Difficulty | Beginner friendly |
| Ready to drink | About 4 to 6 weeks |
What's in the box
- Malt extract base (the fermentable base, for deep copper colour and roasted character)
- English Fuggles hops (for earthy, herbal bitterness)
- Classic English ale yeast (ferments the sugars and adds subtle fruity esters)
- Step-by-step brew day instructions with weights and timings
Flavour profile
- Appearance: Deep copper brown with an off-white head
- Aroma: Roasted malt, soft toffee and earthy Fuggles hop
- Flavour: Rich and malty with roasted chocolate and toffee sweetness
- Mouthfeel: Smooth and medium bodied
- Finish: Earthy, resinous bitterness balancing the malt
Hamish's verdict
Fuggles is the signature here, so this is not a kit to swap hops on. Give it a few weeks to condition and the toffee and roasted chocolate round out beautifully. It is a proper Northern brown ale, easy to drink and deeply satisfying.
Reviewed by the AHB Brewing Team, June 2026. Last updated June 2026.
What's In The Kit
- Malt extract base: the fermentable base, for deep copper colour and roasted character
- English Fuggles hops: for earthy, herbal bitterness
- Classic English ale yeast: ferments the sugars and adds subtle fruity esters
- Step-by-step brew day instructions with weights and timings
Brew Specs
- Style: English brown ale
- ABV: 4.8%
- IBU: 25
- Colour (EBC): 24
- Original gravity: 1.048
- Final gravity: 1.012 to 1.014
- Fermentation temp: 18 to 22 C (ale yeast)
- Batch volume: 21 litres
- Difficulty: Beginner friendly
- Ready to drink: About 4 to 6 weeks
Flavour Profile
Aroma: Roasted malt, soft toffee and earthy Fuggles hop
Flavour: Rich and malty with roasted chocolate and toffee sweetness
Mouthfeel: Smooth and medium bodied
Finish: Earthy, resinous bitterness balancing the malt
Who it's for
Buying from us
Quick answers
Questions about this product, shipping and orders. See the FAQ page for more topics.
Monday to Friday, 9-4pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
Is this an official Newcastle Brown Ale product?
No. This is an independent recipe inspired by the classic Northern English brown ale. It is not affiliated with, licensed by or endorsed by the brand owner. It is our own take on the style.
Why does this kit use Fuggles hops?
Fuggles is one of the most historically significant hops in British brewing. It gives the trademark earthy, herbal bitterness that cuts through the rich malt and defines an authentic English brown ale.
Do I need temperature control to brew this?
No. This is an ale and ferments well at room temperature (around 18 to 23 degrees C), so you do not need 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.
Monday to Friday, 9-4pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
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