Are pale and pilsner malts interchangeable?

Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum

Help Support Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

scottlindner

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2008
Messages
173
Reaction score
3
Location
Colorado Springs
Are pale and pilsner malts interchangeable in recipes? I know for regional styles you will want to choose one or the other. Is it just the protein content that is different, or are there other differences?

Scott
 
They are very similar, and can be interchanged in a pinch, but they're not the same. Pilsener malt is often paler, slightly sweeter, and as you suggested, has higher protein content. There's also more of SMS which is the precursor to DMS in your beer -- because of this, you usually want to boil beers with lots of pils malt 90 minute instead of the 60 minute boil that's common for many beers.
 
Back
Top