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Is briess crystal 40L the same as Briess caramel 40L?

Discussion in 'Beginners Beer Brewing Forum' started by ChicoChaRico, Oct 16, 2011.

 

  1. #1
    ChicoChaRico

    Member

    Posted Oct 16, 2011
    Trying to make a belgian pale ale (extract)... came across a recipe from Tastybrew.com for a Belgian Honey Pale Ale that uses Crystal 40L. I get most of my supplies from Northern Brewer and they only have Briess Caramel 40L. Are they the same thing?
    Also, I take it that the Crystal 40L, Carapils, and Belgian biscuit are steeping grains? Is 2lbs of grains a lot? First time deviating from a recipe kit.
    Thanks everyone.

    Recipe:
    5 gallon batch

    6.00lbs Light Malt Extract Syrup
    1.00 Honey
    1.00 Crystal 40L
    0.50 CaraPils
    0.50 Belgian Biscuit

    1.00 Goldings 60min
    1.00 Goldings 2min
     
  2. #2
    JonM

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Oct 16, 2011
    Yep, crystal vs. caramel is just an American English vs. England English thing.

    I can't tell if that "honey" is bee honey or honey malt, which is a type of grain that leaves a little bit of sweetness in the finished product. Too bad the recipe is not a little clearer. Hmm. But yes, those would be the steeping grains.
     
  3. #3
    PT Ray

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Oct 16, 2011
    This is a little off topic but take it for what it's worth, the recipe could be more authentic with a few minor changes.

    -Instead of light LME use Pilsen
    -For crystal 40 use the Belgian version CaraMunich
    -For CaraPils use Belgian Carmel Pils
    -Lose the 2 min Golding addition. Belgian ales have very little if any late hop additions, it's all about the yeast character.

    A side note, Biscuit really needs to be mashed. I can't remember if it has enough enzymes to self convert so may need the help of a base malt. You can get away with steeping it, it's just not ideal.
     
  4. #4
    ChicoChaRico

    Member

    Posted Oct 16, 2011
    Thanks!
    I am definitely up for suggestions. This would be my first recipe without a kit, so any help would be welcomed.

    I really like Smuttynose Star Island Single, which is suppose to be a Belgian Pale Ale, so not sure if it is "Americanized" or a classic Belgian. It's not very hoppy, so my original recipe might not be similar given the late hop addition.
    Anyone familiar with this beer?
     
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