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Recipe Kit Northern the Great Summer Lager (Mid-Strength 3.9%)
The Northern the Great Summer Lager is our easy-drinking mid-strength session lager, the one we call the beer from down here. It makes 21 litres of light golden, crisp and refreshing Aussie lager at 3.9% ABV, brewed with a Californian Lager yeast for a clean finish.
Makes 21L , about 28 bottles
4-4.2% ABV , Northern the Great Summer Lager / mid-strength (3.9%)
Extract
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Recipe Kit Northern the Great Summer Lager (Mid-Strength 3.9%)
Sale price$48.50
The details
The Northern the Great Summer Lager is our easy-drinking mid-strength session lager, the one we call the beer from down here. It makes 21 litres of light golden, crisp and refreshing Aussie lager at 3.9% ABV, brewed with a Californian Lager yeast for a clean finish. It is one of the most approachable beers you can brew, and one of our most popular kits.
What it is like to brew
Mid-strength done well still has to taste like a proper beer, and that is the whole trick here. The Californian Lager yeast ferments clean at ale temperatures, so you get that crisp, lager-like finish without a fridge, and the lighter gravity keeps it sessionable without going thin or watery. Pre-measured ingredients and a straightforward brew day make it a genuinely good first lager.
Why this kit works
- Mid-strength at 3.9% ABV, built for long summer sessions
- Californian Lager yeast for a clean, crisp finish at ale temperatures
- Ferments at 18 to 20 degrees, no temperature-controlled fridge needed
- Pre-measured ingredients and full brew day instructions, ideal for a first brew
When it makes sense
A good option when you want a light, refreshing lager for hot weather, a barbecue or a long afternoon. Beginner friendly enough for a first brew, and a reliable low-strength house beer for experienced brewers.
Specifications
| Style | Australian mid-strength session lager |
|---|---|
| ABV | 3.9% |
| IBU | 10 |
| Colour (EBC) | 5 |
| Original gravity | 1.038 to 1.040 |
| Final gravity | 1.008 to 1.010 |
| Fermentation temp | 18 to 20°C |
| Batch volume | 21 litres |
| Difficulty | Beginner friendly |
| Ready to drink | About 4 weeks |
What's in the box
- Malt extract (the fermentable base that becomes the beer)
- A blend of specially selected adjuncts (for a clean, balanced mid-strength body)
- Hop additions (for a mild floral, subtly fruity character and light bitterness)
- Californian Lager yeast (ferments clean at ale temperatures for a crisp finish)
- Pre-measured ingredients and step-by-step brew day instructions
Flavour profile
- Appearance: Light golden yellow with a frothy white head
- Aroma: Mild floral notes with subtle fruit
- Flavour: Clean and crisp with a light, balanced bitterness
- Mouthfeel: Light bodied and refreshing
- Finish: Dry, clean and easy
Hamish's verdict
Mid-strength is all about not stripping the flavour out with the alcohol. Keep your ferment steady at 18 to 20 degrees, give it a proper cold conditioning, and serve it very cold on a hot day. It drinks far fuller than its strength suggests, which is exactly the point.
Reviewed by the AHB Brewing Team, June 2026. Last updated June 2026.
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.
Will a mid-strength lager still have flavour?
Yes. The recipe keeps the malt and hops balanced so it drinks crisp, clean and refreshing rather than thin or watery. Mid-strength just means a lighter alcohol level, around 3.9%, so you can comfortably enjoy a few over a long session.
Do I need a fridge or temperature control to brew this lager?
No. This kit uses a Californian Lager yeast that ferments clean at ale temperatures of 18 to 20 degrees C, so a steady room temperature is enough. You get a crisp, lager-like finish 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?
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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