Bold, aromatic and beautifully balanced — the Tombstone Strong Pale Ale is a big beer with a lot going on. It pairs two of Australia's most exciting hop varieties, Ella and Vic Secret, to deliver a wave of tropical pineapple, passionfruit, grapefruit and pine resin, all underpinned by a substantial malt bill that gives it real body and presence. This is the home brewing kit for anyone ready to step things up and brew something genuinely impressive.

Despite the name suggesting something fierce, this is a kit designed to be enjoyed and shared — it just happens to pack more flavour and ABV than your average pale ale. Everything is pre-measured and the full step-by-step brew day instructions are included in the box, so no experience is needed to get great results. It's approachable enough for a first or second brew, and rewarding enough to keep you coming back.

What's in the box?

Each kit contains malt extract, a blend of our specially selected adjuncts, Ella and Vic Secret hops, and yeast — everything you need to brew a full batch at home. Specific quantities, measurements, and step-by-step instructions are all included in the box

Brewing Notes

• Style: Australian Pale Ale
• Fermentation Range: 18 - 23°C
• Colour EBC: 6 - 8
• IBUs: 25  balanced clean bitterness
• Original Gravity: 1.045 – 1.048
• Final Gravity: 1.010 – 1.013
• ABV: 5 – 5.5%
• Volume 21lt
• Recipe Style: Malt Extract Beer Kit

Tasting Notes

• Hop Aroma & Flavour:  Strong floral flavours with fruity aromas of fresh pineapple and a delicious spicy finish.  
• Appearance: Golden 
• Mouthfeel: Smooth medium malt mouthfeel   

FAQ's

Is this kit suitable for beginners?

Yes — while the Tombstone is a step up in strength and hop character, the brewing process is exactly the same as any other malt extract kit. Everything is pre-measured, the instructions are clear, and no prior experience is needed. If you've brewed one kit before (or even if this is your first), you'll be absolutely fine.

What equipment do I need?

You'll need a fermenter (at least 25 litres), an airlock, a hydrometer, a thermometer, a siphon or tap, bottles or a keg, and a good sanitiser. Our beer starter kits include most of what a new brewer needs to get going.

How long before I can drink it?

Allow three to four weeks from brew day. Fermentation typically takes one to two weeks, followed by conditioning time in the bottle. A stronger beer like this can benefit from an extra week of conditioning — a bit more patience usually means a noticeably better result.

How many bottles will this kit make?

This kit produces approximately 21 litres — enough for around 28 × 750ml longneck bottles or 55 × 330ml stubbies.

What hops are in this kit and what do they contribute?

The Tombstone uses a combination of Ella and Vic Secret — two Australian hop varieties. Ella brings strong floral notes and tropical fruit aromas like pineapple and passionfruit, while Vic Secret adds grapefruit and pine resin character. Together they create a layered, aromatic hop profile that's distinctly Australian.

Do I need to add anything extra?

Everything you need to brew is inside the box. No extra ingredients are required — just water and your equipment.

What temperature should I ferment at?

Ferment between 18°C and 23°C for best results. Keeping the fermenter in this range will help produce a clean, well-attenuated beer.

How does the Tombstone compare to the Furph Refreshing Pale Ale?

Both are Australian pale ales brewed with Vic Secret hops, but the Tombstone is bigger in every direction — more hops (adding Ella on top of Vic Secret), a stronger ABV of 5.0–5.5%, and a more substantial malt body. The Furph is a smooth, easy-drinking session ale; the Tombstone is for when you want something with more punch and hop presence.