Buy Malt Guide

Plumper kernels usually provide a better yield. At least 90% of kernels should be of adjacent sizes to ensure an even crush in your mill.

Modern "deep" features also track how the malt affects the long-term flavor of your finished product.

Indicates how easily the malt crumbles when crushed. A friability of 80% or higher is generally required for efficient mashing. buy malt

High levels of these gummy carbohydrates can lead to "stuck mashes" or slow filtration (lautering). 3. Flavor & Stability Chemistry

Buying malt for brewing or distilling requires understanding its "deep features"—the chemical and physical specifications that determine how it will perform in your mash. These parameters, often found on a Malt Analysis Sheet , are the "hidden" traits beyond just color or type. 1. Enzymatic Power & Modification Plumper kernels usually provide a better yield

These features tell you how easily the grain's starches will convert into fermentable sugars.

A measure of the nitrogen available for yeast to "eat." Too little can lead to stalled fermentations , while too much can cause hazy beer or off-flavors. Indicates how easily the malt crumbles when crushed

A precursor to Dimethyl Sulfide (DMS), which smells like cooked corn. Pilsner malts often have high SMM and require a vigorous boil to drive it off. Buying Guide Summary Feature Category What to Look For Why It Matters Extraction FGDB > 80% Higher yield of alcohol per pound Crushability Friability > 80% Ensures effective milling without "gumming" Yeast Health Sufficient FAN levels Prevents "stuck" or smelly fermentations Beer Clarity Low Beta-Glucans Prevents hazy beer and slow filtering