Liberty Cream Ale

A really nice beer when you want more than one. Fermented with the White Labs yeast at about 68F, right on the low side for this yeast. I brew using the late extract addition method for lighter color and higher hop extraction, helpful when it comes to color for beers like this although the higher hop extraction is not quite to style but this is not for competition and I don't mind the extra hop contribution so it's fine. I used all the hops, 1 oz for 60min and 1oz for 2min. Some tasting notes were, 'light gold color and crystal clear. Dense white head sits on top. Grainy aroma. Light malt. Maybe a hint of fruit from the yeast. First sip is smooth and malty. Creamy with some grainy flavors that give way to a mild hop bitterness. Light body. Hop bitterness and flavors fade quickly. Finish is light and clean. A easy drinking beer that I will add to my list of house beers to keep around'. Again, not quite a cream ale by style but it's a delicious beer worth trying if you're looking for something with a little more flavor. Another great kit Midwest.

(Posted on 5/17/12)

This is a great brew - always popular.
I think the premium dry yeast for this ale is sufficient - no need to pay extra for the liquid yeast. This is not a fancy or specialized brew.
I love Midwest's selection and quality when it comes to malt extract packages.

(Posted on 5/16/12)

After reading so many reviews, I decided to purchase and brew. Brewed full boil. Used dried yeast and went with low hops. I used 1/4 oz @ boiling 1/4oz @ 30mins and 1oz @ 58 mins. 1 week primary, 2 weeks secondary 2 weeks bottle. This is a very good beer. It isn't as lite as I thought it would be. Color is pretty light, but taste is much more. All in all, I will brew again, but would never use all of the hops. I agree with other reviews that if all the hops were used this would be like a mild IPA or a heavy Pale Ale.
My low star rating for value and price was because of shipping cost. I purchased 2 kits within about a week. This one was more expensive to ship for some reason. $12 for shipping is to much.

(Posted on 5/7/12)

Easy to drink and brew. Really enjoyed it. It was hit or miss on it with my light beer friends. The ones who liked it really liked it though.

If you brew it, USE ALL THE EXTRA HOPS! I didn't and it was good, but I think it would be even better going the full hops route.

Lastly, this kit is advertised as a "blonde" colored beer, but mine came out light to med-brown following all the instructions. So if you are expecting a light-colored beer, you may be surprised in the end.

Will buy again.

(Posted on 4/23/12)

Excellent beer. Smooth and easy drinking - great after a sweaty back yard work session!

(Posted on 4/21/12)

This was my first homebrew. I read the reviews and wanted my beer to be a really easy drinker, so I only boiled 1/2 oz of the hops for 60 minutes, and 1/2 oz for 2 minutes. I did a full boil. Fermented in primary for 2 1/2 weeks. It has only been in the bottle for a little over a week and is already very good. Surpassed my expectations by far. Very smooth and lightly hopped. I boiled 6 gallons of spring water, steeped grains for 30 minutes, boiled, and cooled with ice bath. I really wasn't expecting my first brew to be this good, but it really is awesome.

(Posted on 4/20/12)

I followed the recipe and used the Safeale dry yeast. This one is real easy to make, and the turnaround was pretty quick. I also went the full hops route. Fermented 6 days in the primary, 7 in the secondary, and I sampled after 2 weeks in the bottle and was totally impressed. So far, everybody has been loving this....especially the Wife. I plan on making this one every third batch and will likely continue to use the safeale, It makes this one easy!

(Posted on 4/5/12)

This was one of the first home brews I tried; it was fantastic! The kit appeared bare-bones (the least amount of grain/hops I've used in a Midwest kit), but it was NOT short on flavor. I completely understand why many local customers brew this so frequently. I'm thinking of buying these ingredients in bulk to have plenty of brewing potential on hand. Very low alcohol percentage makes for a great beer during the warmer months. Also, it didn't take long to ferment/condition at around 65-70 degrees F.

(Posted on 3/15/12)

I tried this beer because of all the great reviews. The reviews were right on. Excellent beer!

(Posted on 3/12/12)

Great Beer! My friends and I couldnt get Enough. Will definately Brew again.

(Posted on 3/5/12)