James Boag’s Premium is one of Australia’s most respected lagers. Agenuinely premium offering from Tasmania, known for its elegant clarity, refined hop bitterness, and the clean, polished finish that proper lager fermentation produces. This recipe kit is our best clone of it, and it’s one of our biggest-selling lager recipes for good reason. Brewed with German Hersbrucker hops and fermented with the renowned California Lager yeast strain, it produces an authentically crisp, bright lager that genuinely rivals the original. If you want to brew a lager you’d be proud to put in front of anyone, this is the one.

Why brewers love this kit

Lager’s known for being tricky to get right.

This kit makes it simple.

With California Lager yeast, you’ll get that clean, crisp lager character — without cold fermentation. It performs beautifully at 18–20°C, giving you a smooth, ultra-clean finish that defines a great lager.

German Hersbrucker hops add a subtle floral note and gentle spice, keeping everything balanced and true to style.

What’s in the box

Each kit contains a pre-measured blend of light lager malt extract, German Hersbrucker hop additions, California Lager yeast. Full ingredient details, weights, and complete step-by-step brew day instructions are included in the box.

Tasting notes

Appearance: Brilliantly clear pale golden straw with a fine white head.

Aroma: Subtle floral and mildly spicy Hersbrucker hop note over a delicate, clean malt backbone. Just like the original.

Mouthfeel: Crisp, light-bodied, and exceptionally clean. The finish is dry and refreshing, with a gentle lingering bitterness that keeps you coming back. Best served very cold.

Perfect for

• Fans of James Boag’s Premium who want to brew a faithful home version of one of Australia’s finest lagers
• Brewers ready to step up to true lager fermentation and experience the difference a cold-fermented Saflager yeast makes
• A standout gift for any beer lover who takes their lager seriously — pair with a starter equipment pack for a complete present

FAQ's

Do I really need to ferment this below 18°C?

For the best result, yes. Saflager yeast is a true lager strain and performs at its finest when fermented at 12–15°C, which produces the ultra-clean character that makes lager so distinctive. That said, Saflager is quite versatile and will still produce a very good, clean beer if you can manage anything below 18°C — a cool shed or spare room in the cooler months can work well.

What are Hersbrucker hops and what do they bring to this beer?

Hersbrucker is a traditional German noble hop grown in the Hersbruck region of Bavaria. It’s prized for producing a refined, elegant bitterness with floral and mildly spicy notes — the kind of sophisticated hop character you find in premium European lagers. Very different from the big citrus and tropical varieties used in modern craft ales, and it’s exactly what gives this kit its polished, clean finish.

What is Saflager yeast and why is it used in this recipe?

Saflager (specifically the W-34/70 strain) is one of the world’s most widely used lager yeasts and has been the backbone of many famous commercial lagers for generations. It produces an exceptionally clean, neutral fermentation at low temperatures, contributing no distracting flavours and allowing the malt and hops to come through clearly. If you want authentic lager character, Saflager is the right choice.

How much beer does this kit make?

This kit produces 21 litres  enough to fill approximately 28 × 750ml longnecks or 55 × 330ml stubbies.

What equipment do I need to brew this kit?

You’ll need a fermenter with a lid and airlock, a no-rinse sanitiser, a thermometer, a hydrometer, and bottles or a keg for packaging. For lager fermentation you’ll also want to be able to keep your fermenter below 18°C. Our starter equipment kits include everything else you need.

How long does it take from brew day to drinking?

Lagers take a little longer than ales due to the cooler fermentation. Allow around 2–3 weeks for fermentation to complete at lager temperatures, then at least 1–2 weeks of cold conditioning in the bottle before opening. The extra patience is absolutely worth it — a properly cold-conditioned lager from this kit is genuinely impressive. Serve it very cold for the best experience.