Attack of the Clones!
Every so often, homebrewers have that moment when they taste some great suds and begin scripting a recipe that they hope will produce the same results as the craft beer being enjoyed. So begins the search for a clone recipe. Sometimes third party clone recipes are available, and if you’re lucky, a brewery may release a recipe. After all, many brewmasters and craft beer CEO’s started as homebrewers. Now, the next wave: Flying Dog Brewery is releasing their own clone kits – STOVETOPPERS.
These kits include EVERY ingredient needed to brew an all-grain batch of beer (even the yeast!) All-Grain: you create the extract from the malt and then add all of the other ingredients that you would to an extract brew or extract/specialty grains brew (all grain = do it like the pros do).
Flying Dog Brewmaster Matt Brophy explains “Homebrewers spread the gospel of craft beer through their craft and ours, so I think breweries have a responsibility to foster and inspire the homebrewing community.” Agreed.
Flying Dog does it right by planning their kit releases seasonally. For instance, right now, you can purchase the Dogtoberfest Marzen so that you will have a seasonal brew when fall hits us. For only the listed month, homebrewers can purchase the said clone. The rest of the release schedule is as follows:
- July: Dogtoberfest Marzen
- August: The Fear Imperial Pumpkin Ale
- September: Single Hop Imperial IPA with Sorachi Ace
- October: Pearl Necklace Oyster Stout
- November: Single Hop Imperial IPA with Simcoe
- December: Barrel-Aged Gonzo Imperial Porter
Here’s the scoop on the Dogtoberfest: A traditional German-style Marzen, this malt monster is brewed with 100% imported malt and hops and spends a whopping 58 days in fermentation. The result is full-bodied caramel and graham cracker sweetness and a clean, dry finish.
We’re getting thirsty over Flying Dog’s initiative in promoting homebrew and inspiring others to dive in head-first to the homebrew experience.
Stovetop clone kits can be acquired at Flying Dog’s Gift Shop, and Flying Barrel Homebrew Supply Shop. If you can’t get ahold of the clone kits, you can get the specs and instructions (challenge yourself every so often). May the beer be with you.
“Your clones are very impressive, you must be proud.”
