Could I steep more?

[Desert_Sky]

Well Im about to attempt my first IPA. I found a recipe off the Recipator that seemed easy enough.

4 oz CaraMunich
4 oz Crystal 60L
6 lb Light DME
2 oz Centenial (45 min)
2 oz Cascade (15 min)


Now my question....

Since I had to order a pound of each specialty grain for steeping, would adding a bit more than 4 ozs of either bring out a little more color and flavor? Any suggestions?

 

[cweston]

Yes (to color) and Yes (to flavor).

I probably wouldn't go beyond a pound total of the two specialty grains.

I have an IPA in secondary right now that was an extract brew w/ a pound of caramunich. It's a beautiful coppery color, although I'm concerned that the FG may be a little high.

 

[Desert_Sky]

I don't have the experience yet to know which grain would add what. If someone has the time, could you break it down for me please?

 

[Chairman Cheyco]

Howtobrew.com has loads of info on all the different grains and what they do.

 

[cweston]

Here's a quicky:

Crystal Malts, caravienna, caramunich, special B:

These add color, carmel sweetness, and raise the final gravity of a beer. The higher the lovibond color rating, the more carmel sweetness they will add.

Roasted Malts (chocolate, black patent, roasted barley):
These add very dark color and bitter, roasted flavor.

Other specialty malts:
Carapils: adds to FG, increases head retention

Biscuit, aromatic, victory: add toasted or biscuit flavor, possibly nutty flavor

Vienna, Munich: add maltiness to flavor

Peat malt or rauch malt: smoke

Honey Malt: duh

 

[Desert_Sky]

Right on, thanks a bunch