Plain Jane American Pale Ale Beer Kit - Extract

Plain Jane American Pale Ale Beer Kit – Extract

If you're after a clean, no-nonsense pint, the Plain Jane American Pale Ale Beer Kit delivers just that—nothing flashy, just classic American Pale Ale flavor you can rely on. Designed for extract brewers who want a well-balanced, easy-drinking beer, this kit gives you a satisfying result without overcomplicating the process.

Expect a pale golden pour (SRM 5) with a bright white head and a crisp, inviting appearance. Thanks to 6 lbs of Briess Golden Light Dry Malt Extract and a touch of Caramel 20L steeping grain, you'll brew a beer with a smooth malt backbone—lightly sweet and gently toasty without becoming heavy or cloying.

The hop character is subtle but present. With a 30 IBU level and a BU/GU ratio of 0.67, you’re getting just enough bitterness to keep things lively, without overwhelming your palate. A single hop variety—Cascade—does the heavy lifting here, delivering mild grapefruit and floral notes in both the boil and aroma additions. It’s a classic American hop profile, restrained and easy to enjoy, pint after pint.

Fermented with US-05 American Ale Yeast, this beer finishes clean and dry (FG 1.010), allowing the malt and hops to share the stage. The moderate 4.5% ABV makes it a session-friendly option that won’t overpower.

If you're looking for a dependable homebrew with a crisp finish, balanced bitterness, and straightforward American character, Plain Jane American Pale Ale keeps it simple—and that’s exactly the point.

Ideal For: Extract brewers looking for a classic American Pale Ale recipe with a clean malt flavor and a modest hop kick.

ABV: 4.5%
IBU: 30
BU/GU: 0.67
Original Gravity (OG): 1.045
Final Gravity (FG): 1.010
SRM: 5
Degrees Plato: 11.2

6 lbs Briess Golden Light Liquid Malt Extract (LME)
1.0 lb Caramel 20L (steeping grain)
1.0 oz Cascade Hops (Bittering)
1.0 oz Cascade Hops (Aroma)
1 packet US-05 American Ale Yeast

HOPS SCHEDULE

1.0 oz Cascade Hops (60 minutes)
1.0 oz Cascade Hops (Flameout)

INSTRUCTIONS

Preparation:

Sanitize all equipment.

Sparge:

Heat 2.5 gallons of water to 155°F.
Steep Caramel/Crystal 20L malt in a grain bag for 30 minutes. Remove grains.

Boil the Wort:

Bring to a boil and add 6 lbs Golden Light DME. Stir until fully dissolved.
Add 1.0 oz Cascade Hops and boil for 60 minutes.
Add 1.0 oz Cascade Hops at flameout.

Chill and Ferment:

Cool wort to 68°F and top off with water to achieve a total volume of 5 gallons.
Transfer to a sanitized fermenter and pitch yeast.
Ferment at 68°F for 10–14 days.

Packaging:

Bottling:
Dissolve 5 oz sugar in 2 cups boiling water then cool.
Gently rack beer into solution, bottle, cap.
Condition approximately  2–3 weeks at room temperature.
Kegging:
Transfer to sanitized keg, purge.
Carbonate at 12 PSI, at 38°F for approximately 2–3 weeks.