Is one type of malt extract superior? Can extract make a batch of homebrew as good as that from an all- grain brew?
Homebrewer’s have many tough decisions to make and any one of them can have a significant impact on the overall quality of the finished product. Among the many considerations, one of the early decisions is what type of malt to use. Whole grains are one option, but the majority of brewers- particularly those at the beginning and intermediate levels- use malt extracts. Malt extracts are processed forms of malt and they are available in two varieties:
Liquid Extract: This type of malt extract is liquid in form, and is actually syrup- like in consistency. It is sold in cans, foil bags, and other packaging. Several types of liquid malt extract are offered, including such options as light malt extract, pilsner malt extract, wheat malt extract, and more. There is a type to fit most home brewing needs.
Dry Extracts: This type of malt extract is sold in dry, powdered form. Packaged in plastic bags, dried extract it is usually offered in more varieties than the liquid variety, and it is common to find several rows of bags at your favorite home brew store. Options can include everything from light malt extract to amber malt extract to rice malt extract and beyond.
Is One Better Than the Other?
There are an approximately equal number of pros and cons with liquid and dry malt extract. Liquid malt extract is already in liquid form, so it doesn’t need to be dissolved when you brew. Dry extract usually offers more choices and has a longer shelf- life than the liquid variety. Many homebrewers have made great homebrew by mixing and matching dry extract and liquid extract. There is nothing wrong with this and the combination can often result in a very satisfying glass of beer.
All- grain brewing is more advanced than using extracts and many homebrewers are convinced that all- grain brewing is the way to go if you want to brew the ultimate glass of beer. However, all- grain brewing also carries more risk. Using malt extract, whether liquid or dry, is a safer bet and many award- winning homebrewers have used malt extract with great results.
Malt extracts have been around for a very long time and homebrewers continue to reach for them when they formulate a new recipe. Regardless of whether you use liquid or dry, malt extract is a critical ingredient and your selection/combination of ingredients can easily make or break your batch. Choose wisely, make sure your malt extract is as fresh as possible, and enjoy your homebrewing hobby with the aid of malt extract. It offers everything you need to make your next batch of homebrew one of your best ever.
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