Bourbon Barrel Oaked Porter Recipe Instruction

This recipe is available as an Aussie Brewmakers Recipe Kit, order no. 19808

This recipe is an Aussie Brewmakers original. It is a robust Porter with a lingering oak char bourbon presence that rounds the style of beer out perfectly. For any Porter drinkers, this recipe is sure to be a regular brew. We believe it is the best Porter kit recipe we have ever brewed and we hope you agree. This recipe is another great introduction to experimenting with hops, wet malts and oak for the beginner or ‘tin kit’ brewer.

Supplied Kit Ingredients for Bourbon Barrel Oaked Porter (Porter Beer):

• 1 x 1.7kg Thomas Coopers Series Devil’s Half Ruby Porter Beer Kit
• 1 x 1.5kg CBW Briess Porter Liquid Malt Extract
• 1 x 200g Aussie Brewmakers Dextrose
• 1 x 12g Goldings Finishing Hops teabag (dry hopped)
• 1 x 200g Still Spirits Bourbon Staves (steeped in secondary)
• 1 x 10g MJ’s Craft Series M42 New World Strong Ale Premium Yeast
• 1 x Small Hop / Grain Bag (for use with Bourbon Staves)
• 1 x Beer Finings

Other Ingredients / Requirements Bourbon Barrel Oaked Porter (Porter Beer):

• 200g of Dextrose if kegging with no secondary fermentation or bottle conditioning (not supplied)
• A second fermenter for racking or a sterile container that holds 23L for racking

Method Bourbon Barrel Oaked Porter (Porter Beer):

1. Clean / sterilize all equipment including fermenter, paddle, Tin Opener etc
2. Discard the yeast supplied under the beer kit tin lid and sit the beer kit tin and the wet malt container in hot water for 10 minutes to loosen contents
3. Boil 2.0L of water in a kettle
4. Add 1.5L of boiled water to fermenter with the 200g Dextrose, contents of the beer kit tin and wet malt container and stir to thoroughly to dissolve
5. Pour 250ml boiled water into the beer kit tin and the wet malt container, stir to dissolve the remaining contents, then add both to the fermenter
6. Add cold water to the fermenter to 22.5L and test temperature – make sure it is between 18-24 degrees before pitching yeast
7. Take Hydrometer reading and pitch the M42 Premium Yeast and stir gently
8. On day 2 add the 12g Finishing Hops bag to the fermenter (dry hop) and leave it there until the next step
9. After primary fermentation is completed (check using hydrometer) rack the beer to a second fermenter or use a container to store the beer while cleaning the fermenter (and then refill). This gets the beer off the trub prior to steeping the bourbon oak staves
10. Place the 200g of Bourbon Staves in the hop sock and tie off both ends. Place Hop Sock into fermenter and reseal and leave them to steep for 10 to 14 days
11. After steeping remove the hop sock containing the bourbon staves and add the beer finings as per packet directions
12. After a further 24 hours proceed to bottle or keg beer as per normal
13. Bottle conditioning of 3 to 4 weeks is recommended for the full flavours to develop

N.B. If kegging, add additional 200g of Dextrose at step 4

About Dark Beer:

Dark beer, characterized by its deep, rich color, comes in various styles that offer unique flavors and aromas. The color of dark beer ranges from deep amber to almost black, influenced by the type and degree of roasted malts used in brewing. Common types include stouts, porters, and dark lagers.

Stouts are typically known for their creamy texture and flavors of coffee, chocolate, and roasted barley. Within the stout category, there are variations like dry stouts, such as Guinness, and sweeter versions like milk stouts, which use lactose to add sweetness.

Porters are similar to stouts but generally have a slightly lighter body and a more pronounced malt character. They often feature notes of caramel, toffee, and sometimes a hint of smoke or fruitiness.

Dark lagers, including Dunkels and Schwarzbiers, offer a cleaner, crisper taste compared to ales, with a focus on smooth malt flavors. Dunkels are typically dark brown with a nutty, toasty profile, while Schwarzbiers are almost black with subtle roasted notes and a lighter body.

Overall, dark beers provide a broad spectrum of flavors, making them a versatile choice for various palates and occasions. Whether enjoyed on a cold winter night or paired with hearty foods, dark beers deliver a satisfying depth and complexity.

Most popular dark beers in Australia here.

Check our dark beer recipe kits here.