10 replies to this topic

[Poptop]

Fellas, my club will be getting in on a local brewery group buy. Was wondering what some preferences were for base malt. I'm setting my sights on Lagers and Belgians, specifically Saison in 2017. I've used Weyermann Pale for both with much appreciation. Thinking of getting that along with a sack of Pilsner. My choices are Castle, Weyermann, Gambrinus, Rahr and Schill. I know it's a huge question among so many talented brewers so.....

I'm leaning toward Weyermann just because I like their Pale so much. Thoughts?

[Brauer]

I've always liked Weyermann Pilsner, but a couple others here got some bad floor malted Pilsner.

I've had Castle Pilsner recommended to me a few times, but haven't had a chance to try it until a batch I made last week. Seems nice, so far.

[neddles]

I have liked Weyermann Pilsner as well. No familiarity with Weyermann Pale. I have used castle a few times with good results but only in saison and not lagers. Maybe it's a foolish bias but, were it my order, I would stick with a European Pilsner for lagers.

[denny]

Of the ones you list, I'd go for Castle.  Weyermann has always had a kind of "grassy" flavor to me.

[MtnBrewer]

I think you'd be in good shape using either Castle or Weyermann pils malt for saisons. Given a choice, I'd probably use Castle since it's Belgian but Weyermann makes excellent malt and their pale malt is my favorite, even over British malts like MO and GP.

[positiveContact]

since it's belgian styles you are brewing I'd say go for castle.

[Poptop]

Belgian and German styles are my current muse. Might try Castle just because there's some experience among my Brews Brothers. But Mtnbrewer roots for my current fav. Tough call. And I doubt my somewhat experienced palate will have an issue. Decisions aargh.

[shaggaroo]

Barke Pils from Weyermann

[neddles]

Barke Pils from Weyermann

If this is an option I second the recommendation. I just put on a Helles made with only this malt and it has wonderful depth, is flavorful, and delicious. May not be ideal for some belgian styles where you might want the character out of the way but for lighter lagers it is terrific. This Barke Helles also was by far the clearest beer I have ever sent to a keg. You could easily read newspaper through the 6.5 gallon carboy.

[positiveContact]

full disclosure:  I use mostly best malz for my continental base malts.  seems very consistent and high quality.

[Poptop]

Thanks Fellas. Your suggestions gave me more reading, which I gladly do.