Our recipe sheets are designed to work for multiple brewing methods (Liquid Malt Extract, Dry Malt Extract, and All-Grain) while using the same specialty malts and hop schedule. This guide explains how to read your sheet correctly and avoid common mistakes.

This article applies to all of our non Flash Brewing kits. We use our Fresh Pressed IPA kit as an example here. Specific ingredient amounts and timing will vary by recipe.

1. Choose Your Brewing Method First

Each recipe sheet includes multiple base malt options:

  • LME Kit (Liquid Malt Extract)

  • DME Kit (Dry Malt Extract)

  • All-Grain Kit

You will only use the ingredients listed under your brewing method.

For example, on the Fresh Pressed IPA sheet  (page 1), you’ll see:

  • 9 lbs Pale Liquid Extract (LME version)

  • 7 lbs Light Dry Extract (DME version)

  • 11 lbs 2-Row (All-Grain version)

These are not combined. They are alternatives depending on the kit you purchased.

Important:

The specialty malts and hops are the same for all versions unless otherwise stated.

2. What If My Malt Extract Seems Incorrect?

This is one of the most common questions we receive.

“I don’t think I have the right extract.”

First, confirm:

  • Did you purchase the LME, DME, or All-Grain version?

  • Are you looking at the correct section of the sheet?

Liquid extract and dry extract are not interchangeable by weight. If substituting:

  • 1 lb Liquid Malt Extract (LME) ≈ 0.8 lb Dry Malt Extract (DME)

If you believe your kit contains the wrong extract, contact us before brewing.

3. Understanding the Hop Schedule

The hop section lists:

  • Hop variety

  • Amount

  • When to add it

How to Read Boil Times

Boil times count down from the total boil length.

If the boil is 60 minutes:

  • “Boil 60 min” = add at the beginning

  • “Boil last 15 min” = add with 15 minutes remaining

  • “Boil last 5 min” = add with 5 minutes remaining

If the recipe uses a 90-minute boil, as noted on page 2 :

  • A “60 min” hop addition is added when 60 minutes remain (30 minutes after the boil starts).

Always check the total boil time in the Recipe Tips section.


What Does “Flameout” Mean?

Flameout (0 minutes) means:

  • Turn off the heat.

  • Add the hops immediately.

  • Let them steep before cooling (if instructed).

Some recipes recommend a steep time before chilling.

When Do I Add Dry Hops?

Dry hops are added:

  • After primary fermentation is complete

  • Directly into the fermenter

  • Typically 3–5 days before packaging (see recipe notes)

They are never boiled.

4. Which Yeast Should I Buy?

The recipe sheet includes suggested yeast options (see page 1) .

You only need one yeast strain from the list.

Choose based on:

  • Availability

  • Liquid vs dry preference

  • Brand preference

If substituting:

  • Choose a yeast with a similar style profile (e.g., American Ale, English Ale, Belgian, etc.)

  • Match recommended fermentation temperature

The recipe sheet usually includes a recommended fermentation temperature range (see page 2) .


5. Understanding “Other Additions”

Items like:

  • Clarifier

  • Whirlfloc

  • Yeast nutrient

  • Spices

These are listed separately with timing instructions.

Example:
“Boil last 5 min” means add with 5 minutes remaining in the boil.


6. All-Grain Specific Notes

If brewing all-grain, look for:

  • Mash temperature

  • Strike water guidance

  • Total boil length

The Fresh Pressed IPA example lists a 150°F mash temperature and a 90-minute boil  (page 2).

Always follow the mash temperature listed for that specific recipe.

7. Beer Stats Section

The Beer Stats panel typically includes:

  • Estimated Original Gravity (OG)

  • IBUs

  • SRM (color)

  • Estimated ABV

These are targets. Your actual numbers may vary depending on:

  • Efficiency

  • Volume

  • Fermentation performance