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Recipe: Annie’s Three Paths Pale Ale

Pale ale makes an ideal base for trying out the split-batch method and experimenting with the different flavors you can get from one kettle of wort and a single brew day. Following this recipe, you’ll get an American-style pale ale, a Belgian-style pale ale, and a British-style strong bitter—but it’s easy to imagine more variations.

Annie Johnson May 24, 2023 - 3 min read

Recipe: Annie’s Three Paths Pale Ale Primary Image

Photo: Matt Graves/mgravesphoto.com

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PARTIAL-MASH

Batch size: 5.5 gallons (21 liters)
Brewhouse efficiency: 72%
OG: 1.054
FG: 1.013
IBUs: 30
ABV: 5.4%

MALT/GRAIN BILL
5.8 lb (2.6 kg) extra-light dried malt extract (DME)
13 oz (369 g) biscuit
13 oz (369 g) crystal 60°L

HOPS SCHEDULE
1 oz (28 g) Magnum at 60 minutes [30 IBUs]
0.5 oz (14 g) Citra at first dry hop (American)
0.5 oz (14 g) Mosaic at second dry hop (American)
0.5 oz (14 g) East Kent Goldings at second dry hop (Belgian)
0.5 oz (14 g) East Kent Goldings at second dry hop (British)

YEAST
Fermentis SafAle US-05 or similar (American), Wyeast 1388 Belgian Strong Ale (Belgian), and White Labs WLP007 Dry English Ale (British)

DIRECTIONS
Mill the specialty grains and, in a mesh steeping bag, steep in 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water at 152°F (67°C) for 45 minutes, then raise to 168°F (76°C). Rinse the steeping bag, add 5 more gallons (19 liters) of water, and bring just to a boil. Switch off the heat and add the extract in batches, being careful not to scorch. Bring back to a boil, and boil for 75 minutes, adding hops according to the schedule. After the boil, chill the wort to 66°F (19°C), split evenly into three fermentors, and pitch a different yeast into each portion. Aerate well. Ferment at 66–68°F (19–20°C) for 5 days, then add the first dry hop to the American pale ale. Ferment for 5 more days, or until fermentation is complete, then add the second dry hops. After a few more days or once gravity is stable, remove the hops or rack, crash, package, and carbonate to about 2.5 volumes (American), 3 volumes (Belgian), and 2 volumes (British).

Annie Johnson is an experienced R&D brewer, IT specialist, and national beer judge. Her awards include 2013 American Homebrewer of the Year honors.

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