Recipe for corn beer

Thanks to PerfectDraft, you can brew many different beers at home. We already showed you how to make the perfect rice beer recipe. In this article, discover how to make corn beer, a unique brew that is perfect for anyone looking to expand their flavour palette. Using corn as its main ingredient, this beer offers originality and character.

What is corn beer?

Corn beer has its roots in several cultures, particularly in Latin America, where it is traditionally enjoyed during local celebrations. Unlike classic beers brewed mainly with barley malt, corn beer incorporates corn into the brewing process, giving it a slightly sweet flavour and distinctive aroma.

Corn acts as a fermentable ingredient that provides a smooth texture and light body, making this beer appealing to curious beer lovers. According to PerfectDraft, there are several styles of corn beer, ranging from light and refreshing to more complex versions developed through longer fermentation and maturation.

Ingredients used in the corn beer recipe

To successfully brew a corn beer recipe, selecting high-quality ingredients is essential. According to PerfectDraft, you will need the following:

  • Corn: Organic corn is recommended for better flavour. Sweet corn is often preferred for its natural sweetness.
  • Malt: A combination of pale malts and caramel malts adds colour and depth to the beer.
  • Hops: Bitter hops help balance the sweetness of the corn and define the beer’s aromatic profile.
  • Yeast: A suitable yeast strain, such as American Ale yeast, ensures proper fermentation and a wide range of aromas.
  • Water: Clean, high-quality water is crucial for good fermentation and flavour expression.

Steps for making corn beer, according to PerfectDraft

Brewing corn beer requires precision and patience. Follow these key steps to achieve the best results:

1. Crushing the corn: Start by crushing the corn with a mill to release the sugars. This step is essential for a successful corn beer recipe.

2. Mashing: Mix the crushed corn with hot water in a mash tun. Maintain a temperature of around 65°C for approximately one hour to convert starches into fermentable sugars.

3. Filtering: Once mashing is complete, filter the mixture to separate the liquid wort from the solid grains.

4. Boiling: Bring the wort to a boil and add hops according to your recipe. Boil for 60 to 90 minutes, adding hops at different stages to develop specific aromas.

5. Cooling: Cool the wort quickly after boiling to prepare it for fermentation. An immersion chiller can help speed up this process.

6. Fermentation: Transfer the cooled wort to a sanitised fermenter, add the yeast and seal. Leave to ferment in a cool, dark place for about two weeks, keeping the temperature stable.

7. Barrelling: Once fermentation is complete, transfer the beer to a barrel or bottles.

8. Tasting: After a short maturation period, your corn beer is ready to be enjoyed.

Learn more about this PerfectDraft recipe

How long does fermentation take? Fermentation usually lasts between 10 and 14 days, depending on temperature and yeast strain.

Can ingredients be substituted? While corn is essential, you can experiment with different hops or malts to customise flavours.

Is temperature control important? Yes, maintaining a stable fermentation temperature helps prevent unwanted flavours.

Can tap water be used? Tap water can be used if it is chlorine-free. Otherwise, filtered or bottled water is recommended.

Discover many traditional beers and brewing inspirations available at PerfectDraft.