Indulge in the rich tapestry of Estonian brewing tradition with Põhjalaõlu, a renowned craft beer that encapsulates the essence of Estonia's vibrant beer culture. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and using locally sourced ingredients, Põhjalaõlu offers a taste journey through the landscapes of Estonia, blending centuries-old brewing techniques with innovative flavors. Experience the distinct character of Estonian beer-making heritage with every sip of Põhjalaõlu, a testament to the country's commitment to quality and innovation in the world of craft brewing.

Ingredients:

• 9 lbs (4.1 kg) Pilsner malt
• 1 lb (0.45 kg) Munich malt
• 1 lb (0.45 kg) Crystal malt (60L)
• 1 lb (0.45 kg) Chocolate malt
• 8 oz (227 g) Black malt
• 8 oz (227 g) Carafa Special III malt
• 1 lb (0.45 kg) Dark candi syrup
• 1 oz (28 g) Northern Brewer hops (60 minutes)
• 0.5 oz (14 g) East Kent Goldings hops (15 minutes)
• 0.5 oz (14 g) East Kent Goldings hops (5 minutes)
• 1 packet of your preferred lager yeast strain
• 1 tsp Irish moss (optional) for clarity
• 5 gallons (19 liters) of water
• Priming sugar for bottling

Instructions:

1- Heat 3 gallons (11 liters) of water in your brew kettle to approximately 160°F (71°C).

2- Place crushed grains in a muslin bag and steep in the water for about 30-45 minutes, maintaining a temperature of around 150-155°F (65-68°C). This will extract the sugars and flavors from the grains.

3- Remove the grain bag and allow it to drip into the kettle. Avoid squeezing the bag to prevent extracting tannins.

4- Bring the wort to a gentle boil and add the Northern Brewer hops. Boil for 45 minutes.

5- Add the East Kent Goldings hops and the dark candi syrup, and boil for an additional 15 minutes.

6- Add Irish moss if desired for clarity, and boil for the final 5 minutes.

7- After boiling, cool the wort rapidly using a wort chiller or an ice bath until it reaches approximately 68°F (20°C).

8- Transfer the cooled wort to a sanitized fermenter, aerate it well, and pitch the yeast.

9- Ferment the beer at a controlled temperature between 50-55°F (10-13°C) for approximately 2-3 weeks or until fermentation is complete.

10- Once fermentation is finished, transfer the beer to a secondary fermenter for conditioning, or proceed with bottling.

11- If bottling, dissolve priming sugar in a small amount of boiling water, add it to the beer, and bottle. Allow the beer to carbonate for 2-3 weeks at room temperature.

12- After carbonation, chill the bottles, and enjoy your homemade Estonian-style Põhjalaõlu craft beer!

Remember to sanitize all equipment thoroughly throughout the brewing process to avoid contamination. Enjoy your brew responsibly and share it with friends to spread the joy of craft beer!

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients used in the recipe:

Pilsner Malt (9 lbs / 4.1 kg):

• Calories: 1540 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 350 grams
• Protein: 50 grams
• Fat: 5 grams
• Fiber: 15 grams

benefits:Provides fermentable sugars for alcohol production and contributes to the beer's overall body and mouthfeel.

Munich Malt (1 lb / 0.45 kg):

• Calories: 144 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 31 grams
• Protein: 5 grams
• Fat: 1 gram
• Fiber: 5 grams

benefits:Adds malty sweetness, depth of flavor, and enhances the beer's color.

Crystal Malt (60L) (1 lb / 0.45 kg):

• Calories: 164 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 38 grams
• Protein: 2 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

benefits:Imparts caramel and toffee-like flavors, sweetness, and enhances the beer's color and aroma.

Chocolate Malt (1 lb / 0.45 kg):

• Calories: 1480 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 305 grams
• Protein: 115 grams
• Fat: 40 grams
• Fiber: 150 grams

benefits:Adds rich chocolate and coffee-like flavors, as well as color to the beer.

Black Malt (8 oz / 227 g):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 95 grams
• Protein: 20 grams
• Fat: 5 grams
• Fiber: 40 grams

benefits:Contributes roasted, coffee, and bitter flavors, as well as deep color to the beer.

Carafa Special III Malt (8 oz / 227 g):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 90 grams
• Protein: 18 grams
• Fat: 2 grams
• Fiber: 40 grams

benefits:Adds dark color, roasted flavors, and a smooth finish without the bitterness often associated with darker malts.

Dark Candi Syrup (1 lb / 0.45 kg):

• Calories: 1400 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 350 grams
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

benefits:Provides fermentable sugars, adds sweetness, and contributes to the beer's complexity and depth of flavor.

These values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and variations of the ingredients used. Additionally, the brewing process will alter some of these values as the yeast consumes sugars during fermentation.