How to brew a Coopers English Bitter (to impress your friends this Christmas)

December 9, 2024

Tis' the season for merriment, cheer, and drinks that bring people together! If there’s one way to make your Christmas feel extra special this year, it’s serving up your very own homebrewed Coopers English Bitter. Whether you’re hosting a big feast or just having a low-key gathering, there’s something magical about a brew that’s homemade, bursting with rich malt flavors, and screams “holiday vibes.” Let me walk you through how to make this happen.

Why Choose Coopers English Bitter?

Now, before we even get brewing, let’s talk about why this product should be your go-to. Coopers English Bitter is the perfect beer kit for people who want that classic, robust bitter style. You know the type—it’s got rich toffee notes, a gentle caramel sweetness, and the kind of earthy bitterness that keeps you coming back for another sip. The balance is heavenly, and let’s be honest, it tastes like something you’d get from a proper pub.

Aside from the flavor, the kit itself takes the hassle out of brewing. It has everything you need to make the process fun and stress-free—exactly what you want around the holidays when you’re juggling pies, lights, and your in-laws!

What You Need to Get Started

Okay, let’s set the groundwork. Brewing your own Coopers English Bitter isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. You’ll need:

A homebrew equipment kit (fermenter, airlock, hydrometer, etc.), which you can conveniently pick up at Strathalbyn H Hardware.
One can of Coopers English Bitter Liquid Malt Extract (LME). This is your treasure trove of flavor.
A brewing sugar, like light dry malt or brewing enhancer, to give your beer the kick it deserves.
Water—yep, just that good old liquid gold from your tap or filtered, ideally around room temperature.

Got all that? Great! Now roll up those sleeves, it’s time to brew something incredible.

The Step-by-Step Brewing Process

I know, I know—this is the part where it might seem complicated, but trust me, it’s as enjoyable as decorating a Christmas tree (and comes with better rewards). Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to impressing your friends and family with a must-try homebrew:

Step 1: Cleanliness Is Key

You’ve probably heard this before, but it can’t be stressed enough—clean equipment = clean beer! Use a reliable no-rinse sanitizer to clean everything that touches your brew. You don’t want any stray bacteria messing with your masterpiece.

Step 2: Prepare the Malt and Mix it Up

Pop open the can of Coopers English Bitter LME and prepare yourself for that delicious malty aroma—it’s a little preview of what’s to come. Heat the can in warm water for a few minutes to make the malt easier to pour.

Next, mix the malt extract, brewing sugar, and about 2 liters of hot water in your fermenter until everything has dissolved beautifully. Add cold water to top up your mixture to the 23-liter mark. The goal here is to cool your wort (that’s the fancy term for unfermented beer) down to around 21–27°C.

Step 3: Let the Yeast Do Its Thing

Time to sprinkle in the magic—add the yeast that comes with the kit, but make sure the temperature’s right before doing this. Stir gently, seal up your fermenter with its lid and airlock, and let the yeast work its wonders. This part will take about 6-7 days (don’t rush it, good things take time).

Step 4: Measure Like a Pro

Using the hydrometer, check the specific gravity after fermentation slows down. For beginners, this determines how much alcohol your beer will contain. If you don’t know how to check, don’t stress! The experts down at Strathalbyn H Hardware can guide you. Once your beer reaches the right reading—around 1.010-1.015—you’re ready to move on!

Step 5: Bottling Your Brew

This is where your pride really starts to show. Add priming sugar to each bottle to give your beer that classic fizz. Carefully siphon the fermented beer into sanitized bottles, leaving just a little space at the top of each one. Cap your bottles tightly and take a moment to admire your hard work—you’re almost there!

Step 6: The Hardest Step—Wait!

Bottle conditioning (aka waiting for the magic drinkable form to happen) takes another two weeks at room temperature. It’s tough, but so worth it. Trust me, that first sip will taste better knowing you made it from scratch.

Why Serve It at Christmas?

The holidays are about comfort, and there’s no beer more comforting than a homemade English Bitter. It’s like drinking Christmas in a glass—rich, warm, and full-bodied with just the right touch of bitterness. Serve it up alongside a roast dinner, pair it with some charcuterie, or simply enjoy it while wrapping presents and watching a holiday classic.

Pro Tip for Personal Flair

Want to make your brew even more special? Experiment with optional additions like spices, orange peel, or even a hint of vanilla to give it holiday-inspired character. Just make sure to add these goodies during the fermentation process so they infuse properly. Your friends will be amazed and probably beg for the “secret recipe.”

Brewing your own Coopers English Bitter is more than just a fun hobby—it’s an experience that turns into a story you’ll tell every time someone compliments your beer (and trust me, they will). You’ll feel instantly proud when your mates are sipping on what feels like a premium homemade craft brew.

Not sure where to start? Stop by Strathalbyn H Hardware for supplies, advice, and some good old-fashioned community encouragement. You’re not just starting a project—you’re mastering an art. Let this festive season be the toast to your brewing success!