About This Kit

Big tropical fruit, juicy citrus, and a clean malt base that keeps everything in perfect balance — meet the Bolter XPA. This Extra Pale Ale home brewing kit is all about delivering bold, modern hop character without the heavy bitterness of an IPA, making it a seriously satisfying brew that's also incredibly easy to drink. Built on a blend of pale malt extract with a mini mash grain addition for extra depth, the Bolter XPA punches well above its weight for a kit beer. If you love the hop-forward craft beers you see on tap at your local, this is the beer kit to brew at home.

Why brew the Bolter XPA ? 

Despite the impressive hop character, this kit is designed to be accessible for beginner to intermediate home brewers — no experience needed to produce a genuinely great result. The recipe style combines malt extract with a small grain addition, giving your beer extra body, subtle sweetness and excellent head retention, all without adding complexity to brew day. All ingredients come pre-measured, and complete step-by-step brew day instructions are included in the box. At 4.8% ABV, it sits in that sweet spot of flavour and drinkability that XPAs are loved for.

What's in the Box?

Each kit contains a blend of pale malt extract (both dry and/or liquid), a selection of specialty grain additions, carefully chosen hop varieties for aroma and flavour, and yeast — all pre-measured and ready for brew day. Full ingredient details, grain steeping instructions and step-by-step brew day guidance are all included in the box.

 

Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Big, fresh tropical and floral notes with just the right hit of citrus to keep it lively.
• Flavour: A clean malt base lays the groundwork for a burst of juicy hops in the middle, finishing as refreshing as it is satisfying.
• Colour: Pale gold with just a hint of haze. Think liquid sunshine.

Brewing Notes

• Style: Australian Pale Ale
• Malts: Pale malt extract (DME and LME) with Carapils and Caramalt for subtle sweetness, a medium body, and excellent head retention.
• Hops: A bold combination of Citra, Amarillo, and Centennial delivers juicy tropical fruit and citrus flavours with a balanced bitterness.
• Fermentation Range: 18–23°C. Stick to the lower end for a cleaner profile, or push slightly higher if you want to accentuate fruity yeast esters.
• Original Gravity: 1.046 – 1.048

• Final Gravity: 1.010 – 1.012
• ABV: 4.8 %
• Volume 21lt
• Recipe Style: Malt Extract Beer Kit with mini mash grain additions

 

Perfect For

• Home brewers who love hop-forward craft beers but want a beginner kit that's genuinely manageable to brew
• Fans of XPAs and Pacific-style ales looking to brew at home with a recipe that delivers real craft character
• Anyone who's ready to step up from a basic beer kit and try something with a little more character and complexity

 

FAQ

Is the Bolter XPA suitable for beginners?

Yes — while this kit includes a mini mash grain step alongside the malt extract, the full instructions in the box walk you through everything clearly. No experience is needed, and the grain steeping process is straightforward and adds a really satisfying extra dimension to your brew.

What's the difference between a XPA and a Pale Ale?

An XPA (Extra Pale Ale) is generally lighter in colour and body than a standard pale ale, with the hop character pushed right to the front — more tropical fruit and citrus aroma, and a cleaner, crisper finish. The Bolter XPA sits at 4.8% ABV, making it flavourful but very easy to drink session territory.

What equipment do I need?

You’ll need a basic home brewing setup including a 25–30L fermenter fitted with an airlock, tap, thermometer and bottling valve. You’ll also need a hydrometer, sanitiser, bottles and a bottle capper for sealing your finished beer.

What hops are in the Bolter XPA?

The Bolter XPA uses a bold hop combination that delivers the juicy tropical fruit and citrus flavours the style is known for — full details are included in the kit. The specific varieties, quantities and addition timings are all part of the recipe instructions in the box.

How long does it take to brew?

Allow around 3–4 weeks from brew day to your first cold one. Fermentation takes approximately 7–10 days at 18–23°C, and then the beer benefits from at least 3 weeks of bottle conditioning. XPAs can be enjoyed fresh, so don't be tempted to over-condition — this style shines when the hop aroma is at its brightest. Six weeks plus may be the sweet spot.

What does the mini mash grain addition involve?

The grain additions in this kit are steeped (soaked) in hot water before the main brew to extract colour, sweetness and body — think of it like making a strong tea from specialty malts. The instructions walk you through the process step by step, and it adds a level of quality to the finished beer that pure extract kits can't always match.