The Ben’s Lefty Juicy NEIPA Fresh Wort Kit – Keg King makes it easy to brew a hazy, full-bodied New England IPA with intense hop flavour and a smooth, juicy mouthfeel. Based on Ben’s original NEIPA recipe, this fresh wort kit uses modern brewing techniques to create the thick texture, stable haze and expressive hop oils associated with this popular beer style.

Each cube contains approximately 16.5 litres of ready-to-ferment wort. Add around 3 litres of clean water to reduce the starting gravity from approximately 1.064 to around 1.055. Alternatively, ferment the wort undiluted for a richer, stronger and more concentrated result.

The malt base consists mainly of Joe White Pilsner malt, supported by unmalted wheat and oats. Pilsner malt provides a clean and lightly grainy foundation, while the wheat and oats add protein, body and haze stability. Together, these ingredients create the soft and rounded mouthfeel that allows the hop flavour to remain bold without becoming harsh.

Flavour and Aroma Profile

Citra is the main late-hop variety in this recipe. It contributes bright citrus, grapefruit, lime and tropical fruit flavours, along with notes of mango and passionfruit.

At approximately 43 IBUs, the beer has a noticeable bitterness. However, the smooth grain bill and full body help soften the hop intensity. The finished beer should taste juicy and expressive rather than sharp or overly dry.

Expect a cloudy pale-golden appearance, a soft head and a rich hop aroma. The mouthfeel is thick, smooth and slightly creamy, while the finish remains fresh and fruit-forward.

General Specifications

• Approximate wort volume: 16.5 litres
• Suggested water addition: Approximately 3 litres
• Starting gravity undiluted: Approximately 1.064
• Starting gravity after dilution: Approximately 1.055
• Bitterness: Approximately 43 IBUs
• Main malt: Joe White Pilsner Malt
• Additional grains: Unmalted wheat and oats
• Late hops: Citra
• Yeast included: No
• Dry hops included: No
• Style: New England IPA

Recommended Dry Hops

Recommended dry-hop varieties include:

• Citra
• Galaxy
• A blend of Citra and Galaxy

Citra will strengthen the citrus, grapefruit and mango character. Galaxy can add passionfruit, peach and additional tropical fruit aroma. A combination of both can create a powerful and layered hop profile.

Add the dry hops near the end of fermentation or approximately three days before packaging. Avoid excessive contact time, as this may introduce grassy flavours.

Recommended Yeast Options

Suitable yeast choices include:

Mangrove Jack’s M36 Liberty Bell Ale

M36 produces a balanced ale fermentation with gentle fruit character. It can create a slightly cleaner and more traditional ale finish while still supporting the hop profile.

LalBrew New England

LalBrew New England is an excellent choice for this style. It promotes soft fruit flavours, stable haze and a rounded mouthfeel that complements juicy hops.

Always follow the pitching rate and fermentation temperature printed on the selected yeast packet.

Brewing Instructions

1. Clean and sanitise the fermenter, lid, airlock, tap and all brewing equipment.
2. Transfer the full contents of the fresh wort cube into the sanitised fermenter.
3. Add approximately 3 litres of clean water for the intended strength and balance.
4. Mix thoroughly and aerate the wort.
5. Confirm the wort is within the correct pitching temperature range.
6. Add M36 Liberty Bell Ale, LalBrew New England or another suitable NEIPA yeast.
7. Maintain a stable fermentation temperature.
8. Add Citra, Galaxy or both near the end of fermentation.
9. Confirm fermentation is complete by checking for stable specific gravity readings over consecutive days.
10. Bottle or keg using properly sanitised equipment.
11. Carbonate, condition and serve fresh.

Brewer’s Tips

Minimise oxygen exposure whenever adding dry hops, transferring or packaging. NEIPAs are especially sensitive to oxidation, which can quickly reduce hop aroma and cause colour and flavour changes.

Avoid using strong finings if you want to preserve the intended haze. Cold conditioning may still help settle larger yeast and hop particles without fully clearing the beer.

This style is best enjoyed fresh while the hop character is at its brightest. Store the finished beer cold and consume it sooner rather than allowing it to age for an extended period.

The Ben’s Lefty Juicy NEIPA Fresh Wort Kit – Keg King is ideal for brewers who enjoy bold citrus aroma, tropical hop flavour and a soft, modern IPA mouthfeel. It provides the quality and complexity of an all grain NEIPA with far less preparation and cleaning.