Recipe Pack Southern Cross XPA

Home Brew Republic Recipe Pack Southern Cross XPA

The Southern Cross XPA is a vibrant, hop-forward brew that pays tribute to New Zealand’s iconic night sky and the Southern Hemisphere hops that make it shine. This extra pale ale delivers a bright, citrusy, and tropical flavor profile, perfectly balanced with a clean malt backbone from Ultra Light Liquid Malt.

Dry-hopped with a bold trio of Motueka, Nelson Sauvin, and Riwaka, this brew bursts with notes of zesty lime, passionfruit, and gooseberry, complemented by delicate white wine and floral undertones. A subtle bitterness rounds out the experience, making it crisp, refreshing, and highly drinkable.

With a balanced IBU and a light malt body, the Southern Cross XPA is perfect for those who love a punchy hop aroma without an overpowering bitterness. Whether you’re kicking back under the stars or catching up with mates over a summer session, this beer is a stellar choice for any occasion.

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What’s Included InThis Recipe:

• Black Rock Classic Range Xtra Pale Ale (XPA)
• Black Rock Ultra Light Liquid Malt Extract
• Mangrove Jacks M66 Hophead Ale Yeast
• 150 Grams Tropical Burst Hop Blend

This recipe includes all of the ingredients you require to ferment this brew. There are no additional fermentables required, for example dextrose or liquid malt extract. Additional ingredients may be required for bottling. 

 

Special Instructions for Brewing This Recipe:

• Follow brewing instructions included with the Black Rock XPA
• Add the yeast nutrient at the same time you pitch the yeast – follow the instructions on the yeast nutrient packet.
• Add Dry Hops on day four of fermentation
• Recommeded dosage rate for hops is 50grams (~2.2grams/litre), 100grams (~4.3grams/litire or 150grams (~6.5grams/litre) depending on your preference for strength of hop character.
• For brewers who prefer a stronger hop forward character you can add the full 150 grams. 
• When dry hopping take measures to protect the brew from hop particals. Where brewers cannot cold crash prior to bottling or kegging we suggest using a hop sock.
• When bottling best practise is to rack off into a bottling bucket using a syphon.
• Bottle condition for 10-14 days in a cool dry place. The hop flavours in this brew will be best when drunk betwee two and four weeks.

 

Tell Me About The Hops In This Recipe:

This Southern Cross XPA is built around three powerhouse New Zealand hops—Motueka, Nelson Sauvin, and Riwaka, each bringing their own distinctive and aromatic character to the brew.

Motueka Hops:

Motueka is a versatile dual-purpose hop that delivers a bold citrus burst, most notably zesty lime and fresh lemon, with underlying tropical fruit tones. Originally bred from Saaz, this hop retains a subtle noble spice, making it a favorite for hop-forward pale ales.

Nelson Sauvin Hops:

One of the most unique and sought-after hops in the craft beer world, Nelson Sauvin is renowned for its white wine-like character, reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Expect bright notes of gooseberry, passionfruit, and crushed grapes, giving this brew an unmistakably New Zealand-grown hop profile.

Riwaka Hops:

A true aroma bomb, Riwaka is prized for its high oil content, delivering intense tropical fruit and citrus flavors. Bursting with passionfruit, grapefruit, and fresh-squeezed orange zest, this hop enhances the bright and juicy characteristics of the Southern Cross XPA, while adding a slight resinous depth to balance out the crisp malt body.

This trio of Southern Hemisphere hops showcases the modern evolution of New Zealand pale ales—bold citrus, tropical fruit, and wine-like complexity without overwhelming bitterness. These hops thrive in extra pale ales, where their expressive aromas and bright flavors can shine.

Expect a brew that’s vibrant, aromatic, and packed with zesty, tropical character—perfect for summer sipping! 🍻

Looking for a food match? The Southern Cross XPA goes Well With…

 

1. Thai Green Curry: The gooseberry & passionfruit from Nelson Sauvin bring out the aromatic spices, while the crisp malt backbone tames the heat.

2. Muscles in White Wine and Garlic: A natural pairing! The Nelson Sauvin hop’s wine-like character mirrors the white wine broth, while the citrusy zing of Motueka cuts through the richness.

3. Kumara Fries with Aioli: The light, smooth malt base keeps things balanced, while the hops’ citrus and tropical fruit make each bite even more addictive.

4. Classic Kiwi Fish and Chips: The crisp, golden XPA is the perfect match for a fresh piece of battered fish, with the Motueka lime and Riwaka passionfruit lifting the whole dish.

5. Lemon & Passionfruit Cheese Cake: That tropical, citrusy hop combo makes this dessert next-level refreshing, enhancing the tart-sweet flavors of passionfruit & lemon.