Why do these "extract" kits include grains?

So I'm probably going to be ordering my first equipment next week, and was looking at what I would try for my first brew and was figuring extract might be a bit easier while I'm learning. So I was looking at the Kits on Northern Brewer, and it seems like most of the darker ale kits include some grains.

For example The English Pale Extract Kit sounds awesome:
http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewi...ct-ale-kits/english-pale-ale-extract-kit.html

But looking at the kit inventory it shows:

Specialty Grains
0.5 lbs. Simpsons Crystal

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All kits also contain a muslin mesh bag for steeping the grains (if required).

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http://legacy.northernbrewer.com/docs/kis-html/1411.html

hmmmm... This sounds more like Partial Mash than a straight extract correct? Or am I misinterretting something here?

steeping the grains in these kits give you a lot more color and some flavors that plain extract don't provide.

It's the intermediate step between extract and PM.

You can do it - it's simple. If you can make tea you can do extract plus steeping grains

No - they're extract kits. Crystal malt doesn't need to be mashed; the steep is for extraction of color and flavor only.

Extract + steeping grain kits are the norm; the grain adds additional character.

Many of your extract kits come with 'steeping grains'. You'll steep these like a giant tea bag in your pot with some water. It'll add more body and better taste than extract alone. Very simple and nothing to fear at all....

Thanks fella's. Looks like I'm all in on this one then.

Basically extract only comes in a few flavors and using just extract would seriously limit the styles you could make. You can make any style with extra light extract and specialty grains.

The standard word is "complexity" It adds a little something that your taste buds will like.

Just a suggestion from one n00b to a newer n00b. The Northern Brewer kits are great but the instructions are only OK. Read through How to Brew and Beginner Extract Brewing https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f39/beginner-extract-brewing-howto-99139/ threads before you start brewing. It will fill in a lot of gaps that are in the standard instructions (that goes for any kit supplier's instructions out there, not just NB's)

Have a great brew day!

LarryC said:

Just a suggestion from one n00b to a newer n00b. The Northern Brewer kits are great but the instructions are only OK. Read through How to Brew and Beginner Extract Brewing https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f39/beginner-extract-brewing-howto-99139/ threads before you start brewing. It will fill in a lot of gaps that are in the standard instructions (that goes for any kit supplier's instructions out there, not just NB's)

Have a great brew day!

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