question on extracts

[PaulyWantsABeer]

What's the difference if I use LME versus DME? Is there a taste difference or special chemical reaction involved? Is it brewer's preference? Am I just totally over thinking this?? lol

For example:
6lbs Gold LME
1.5lbs Pale LME

versus

6lbs Gold DME
1.5lbs Pale DME

or mix the two

6lbs Gold LME
1.5lbs Pale DME

or

6lbs Gold DME
1.5lbs Pale LME

 

[opusx11]

I don't think you can do a lb for lb substitution because you are not accounting for the weight of the water in LME. I think to substitute, the ratios are something like 1 lbs grain = 0.75 lbs LME = 0.6 lbs DME.

My personal preference is to always use DME. It may be in my head, but I notice off flavours sometimes with LME (I think people refer to it as the LME twang)

 

[bobbrews]

Take a look at Palmer's book, How To Brew - http://www.howtobrew.com/intro.html

He explains a lot of basic stuff like this for beginners in a very comprehensive manner.

Learn the advantages and disadvantages of DME and LME. Learn about the different ppg and L values of malt. Become more familiar with brewing science and practice in general.

When it comes down to it, choosing DME or LME is just a preference... like choosing pellet or leaf hops. There are however some differences and DME/LME are not equivalent by weight.

 

[Andy_O]

The only real difference between DME and LME is water content. They are created the same way, DME just has more water removed from it - it is more concentrated. DME has a longer shelf life as well.

 

[PaulyWantsABeer]

Okay, cool.....thanks guys

 

[bleme]

Supplier also matters more with LME. My favorite so far is Northern Brewers LME. Some other suppliers I have tried just don't taste/smell as good.

 

[PaulyWantsABeer]

I've always used LME from Midwest Supplies. I'll give NB a try.

 

[unionrdr]

There is one other diffwerence. DME doesn't caramelize as quickly as LME in the boil. I use,for example,1.5lb of DME in a 2.5-3 gallon partial boil for all hop additions,zest,etc. Then add the remaining DME & all LME at flame out. Lighter colors & a bit cleaner flavor thaf way. And then cover & steep 15 minutes. The wort is still around 180F+ & is more than hot enough to pasteurize,which happens at about 162F.No twang that way,given good ferment temps & sanitation.

 

[bleme]

I also reserve at least 2/3rds of my LME for flame out. In addition to the above, I heard that it improves head retention as well, but I haven't seen that at all. Oh well, at least they still taste great!

 

[unionrdr]

I think there's something to that thought. Mine always give great head. Too much fine bubbled head if you're not carefull,even after plenty of chilling. But no complaints.

 

[CrookedTail]

When used properly I think beers made with LME taste better.

 

[PaulyWantsABeer]

There is one other diffwerence. DME doesn't caramelize as quickly as LME in the boil. I use,for example,1.5lb of DME in a 2.5-3 gallon partial boil for all hop additions,zest,etc. Then add the remaining DME & all LME at flame out. Lighter colors & a bit cleaner flavor thaf way. And then cover & steep 15 minutes. The wort is still around 180F+ & is more than hot enough to pasteurize,which happens at about 162F.No twang that way,given good ferment temps & sanitation.

I'll definitely try this with my next batch.