Anyone here make the NB SMASH American Session Ale?

[pshankstar]

Just curious to see who all here has made the SMASH AMERICAN SESSION ALE by Northern Brewer? I know this is a simple kit (just LME and hops), but I feel that I should add more to it. Say some steeping grains and maybe double the Simcoe hops.

I'm curious to know if anyone has done this kit and if so, would they make any changes to it? If so, what are they? Or was the kit so good they wouldn't suggest modifying it? I figured I would get some feedback on this kit b/c I am looking to brew it on Christmas Eve and would get the extra ingredients tomorrow.

Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas to all!

 

[Calder]

I bought 6 of those kits, but I bought them for the extract and the hops, not to make the beer ........... They were on sale for a great price.

I think I got 36 lbs of extract, 18 ozs of Simcoe, and a vial of yeast for $104 shipped.

If I were to make it, I'd double the hops:

- 1 ozs FWH
- 1 ozs @ 10 minutes
- 2 ozs @ 0 minutes, after wort hhas cooled to 175 F and then leave for 30 minutes ((stirring occasionally) before cooling further.
- 2 ozs Dry.

And I'd probably add a half lb of plain table sugar to try and lower the FG.

 

[troutman35]

I've brewed it four times and have another batch on deck. It's become my house beer as is and wouldn't change a thing. One of my favorite beers period.

 

[pshankstar]

Thank you both. I have two kits so I figured the first one I should make following the directions for a good baseline. Then if I wanted to modify it I could do it with the next kit. Thanks again!

 

[troutman35]

Sounds like a reasonable plan to me. Let us know what you think of the baseline brew and if you decide to modify it.