Does Pils + Vienna = Pale Malt?

BackAlleyBrewingCo · 06-13-2009, 01:02 PM

Hi all,

I've been told that adding a little bit of a darker malt like Vienna or Munich to Pilsener malt produces the equivalent of a Pale Ale malt. Is this correct? It seems to me that while the colors might be the same, the flavors will differ.

pericles · 06-13-2009, 02:00 PM

Pale malts are made from different grains than are Vienna, Munich, or Pilsener malts. Also, although I've personally never mashed a Pilsener, I'm given to understand that because Pilsener malts are so highly modified, they require mashing techniques that are different from Pale malts. (e.g. a stronger protein rest).

So no, no combination of them will be the "same" as a Pale Malt. Whether you find a particular combination to be similar tasting will be a matter of taste for you to decide. I've not tried that combination myself in the past, but from using the grains individually, I believe that it'd be close, except maybe slightly fruitier.

z987k · 06-13-2009, 02:42 PM

One malt plus another never ever equals a different malt. Ever. crystal 40 + crystal 60 != crystal as well. You are correct that you can match colors, but flavors are different. Basically in math terms A + B = A + B. A + B != C.
Single infusion is absolutely fine for pils. Now for the style of beer you are making, you may want to change that.