In this round of the Jar of Destiny Challenge, we were asked to embrace a historic, refreshing American hybrid style.

The timing of this pick did not align with summer days as The Jar knows not of seasons.

If you’re not familiar with Cream Ale, these are beers that were designed to compete with light American lagers, which we explored in the summer of 2024.

It’s a style we have brewed many times. Let’s see if this version was worthy.

Jar of Destiny Cream Ale Recipe

Since we brewed this one in the winter, it’s definitely a snow blower beer rather than a lawnmower beer.

Batch Size:
5 US Gallons

Water:
Spring water with a pinch of Gypsum.

Grain Bill:
7 pounds of Rahr American 2-Row Malt – 67%
1 pound of Rahr 6-Row Malt – 10%
2 pounds of Flaked Rice – 19%
0.5 pounds of Flaked Maize – 5%

Hops:
1 ounce of Liberty hops (6.8 AA%) – boiled for 60 minutes

Yeast:
SafLager W-34/70 German Lager Dry Yeast

Process:
1 Whirlfloc tablet – boiled for 10 minutes
Mashed for 60 minutes
Boiled for 60 minutes
Fermentation for 3 weeks at basement temperatures – 62°F (16.67°C)
Kegged with no clarifiers

Outcomes:
Original Gravity: 1.049
Final Gravity: 1.009
Color: 2.85 °SRM
IBUs: 30
ABV%: 5.3 %

Tasting Notes

How did this one come out? Well, we think this beer delivered. From the first sip, we found it to be clean, crisp, and refreshing. It had a subtle grain sweetness riding underneath a smooth, nearly dry finish.

On the nose, there’s this light, slightly rice-like aroma that isn’t fruit or weird. It was present enough to make you go “Huh, that’s different.” The mouthfeel is light and lively with carbonation as specified by the BJCP guidelines.

The hop bitterness is balanced, herbally, and interesting without shouting at you. The Liberty hops deliver what this style needs.

We were happy with this beer. It’s not that complex, it’s an easy drinker for any season!

Give thanks to the Jar of Destiny and BREW ON!