Grains form the base of beer, but there are quite a few types that you can choose from. Which grain is right for your beer? Going alone here can be a confusing process. The type of grain you use will contribute greatly to your finished beer, from final color to specific gravity. It’s important that you make the right decision regarding grains, so here’s some helpful information to get you started.
Understanding the basic types of grains
The types of grains, or malts, form the basis of beer. Before jumping straight into the vast array of specialty malts out there, it’s best to start with the basics. There are several general types of grains available for brewing, and each lends itself to a different range of beer types.
Base Malta
Base malts are exactly what they sound like. These form the base of your beer and provide most of the sugar that your yeast will thrive on. Base malts tend to be pale and do not add much flavor or aroma, although you will find a handful of these malts that do have an impact here.
Special grains
In addition to your base malt, you will need to add some specialty grains to your brew. These grains will be responsible for the overall color and flavor of your beer. You’ll find them labeled “chocolate malt,” “caramel malt,” or “crystal malt,” as well as “black malt.” The more you use them, the more robust and flavorful your finished beer will be. However, going overboard can cause some unintended consequences, so it is best to start small and work your way up to higher concentrations batch by batch.
Using malts in your brewing
Because there are so many types of grains (malts) out there, it can be a confusing place for new brewers. The best option for newcomers is to find a couple of recipes that sound appealing and prepare them exactly as described, using the specified malt. You can start experimenting and turning things around when you have a firm understanding of how those recipes work (and how they should taste).
By making sure you know how a recipe is supposed to turn out, you will be able to measure your own results with different specialty grains in the brewing process. Just remember that experimentation is half the fun of brewing beer at home.
Poto Cervesia,
Dustin Canestorp