John Bull Traditional English Ale Beer Kit

John Bull Traditional English Ale Beer Kit

£18.45
Makes 40 Pints
Ready in 3-4 Weeks
Sugar Needed
6.0% ABV
3+ in stock

Brew 40 pints of full-bodied English bitter with the John Bull Traditional Ale Kit. Smooth, well-hopped and malty. Ready in 3"4 weeks.

John Bull Traditional English Ale Beer Kit – 40 Pint

John Bull Traditional English Ale is a proper British bitter — full-bodied, dark, and satisfyingly well-hopped.

It’s got that classic pub pint feel, with deep malt character and just the right amount of bitterness to balance it out.

This kit is easy to use, ideal for beginners or anyone looking to keep things simple.

You’ll get everything you need (except sugar), and you can expect around 40 pints of classic ale in about 3 to 4 weeks.


Tasting Notes

  • Style: Traditional English Bitter
  • Body: Full-bodied, rich and malty
  • Bitterness: Medium-high, with a balanced finish
  • Malt Character: Dark malt, subtle roast, lightly toasted
  • ABV: ~4.2% – 4.5% (with 1 kg brewing sugar)

What’s Included

  • 1.8 kg Hopped Malt Extract
  • Iso-Hop Extract
  • Dry Brewing Yeast (sachet under lid)

What You’ll Need

  • 1 kg Brewing Sugar, Beer Enhancer, or Spray malt
  • Standard Homebrew Equipment (Fermenter, Airlock, Bottles or Keg, etc.)

Want a stronger brew? You can boost this to around 6% ABV by reducing the final volume to 32 pints instead of 40.


Instructions Overview

  1. Sanitise all equipment.
  2. Dissolve the malt extract and sugar in hot water.
  3. Top up to 23 litres (or less if adjusting ABV).
  4. Add yeast once the wort has cooled to around 20–25°C.
  5. Ferment for 7–10 days, or until gravity is stable.
  6. Bottle or keg, then condition for 2–3 weeks.

Brewer’s Tip

Swap out the sugar for medium spray malt or a beer enhancer to add more body, better mouthfeel, and improved head retention.

You can also dry hop lightly with a classic English variety like East Kent Goldings for extra aroma.


FAQs

  • Q: Is this beginner friendly?
    Yes — straightforward instructions and forgiving style. Great for first brews.
  • Q: Can I use a keg instead of bottles?
    Absolutely. Just make sure to add priming sugar for carbonation if using a pressure barrel.
  • Q: How long until it's drinkable?
    Usually ready in 21–28 days, but a bit longer conditioning improves flavour.

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Express delivery: 1–2 working days – £8.50
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Delivery times listed above are estimates and are not guaranteed.