Yeast Starter: (2 days ahead)
Break yeast packet
1-2 days later 1/2 cup of malt extract into 2 cups of water (or double this in a gallon jug).
Bring to boil - simmer for 10 mins. Add ΒΌ teaspoon of yeast nutrient.
Cool to 80 F - pour into sterile 2 qt. jar. Add yeast and cover with aluminum foil.
Shake as often as possible (seriously, multiple times a day!)
Wort:
Bring 3 gallons of water 160F. Add lager malt and steep for 40 mins.
Add 2.6# of DME to reach a pre-boil gravity of 1.055. Add water or extract to reach target gravity. Check gravity with refractometer.
Bring to boil and add bittering hops.
Boil for 55 mins. and then add aroma hops.
With 15 mins. Remain, add 1 tsp. of Irish Moss.
Boil for 5 mins. Then turn off heat. Add remaining DME. Stir to dissolve and begin to force cool.
Cool to 80F, and add to cool water in fermenter. Take readings.
Aerate well and pitch yeast.
Ferment for 1 week between 64-72F. Transfer to secondary and dry hop for 2 weeks.
Bottle with priming sugar. Drink in 2 weeks.