difference between malts?

[andysat]

I'm brewing a coopers pale ale kit with 500 gs of dextrose and 1 kg of malt and some goldings hops with safale yeast. my question is what are the differing characteristics of dry malt and liquid malt. thanks.

 

[Homercidal]

Not really that much as far as how they work for most people. The Dry will keep longer than the liquid on the shelf, but if you are using it right away, and know the store provide fresh, then they are likely equal in that regard.

The dry will also make more per pound than the liquid, simple because the dry weighs less, and when reconstitutes will therefore make more wort. There is a ratio to keep in mind when comparing the amounts between the two, but off the top of my head I can't recall.

Also, LME will generally be darker in color than DME, or at least I think you can get lighter color DME.

Some claim that you can get extract "twang" from using LME, but your process might either add to that, or help it depending. I do know that I've enjoyed brewing with DME more. Less mess (that LME seems to get all over the place!) and it just seems to taste better. Could be other improvements in my technique though... I've learned a lot on this site and by re-reading my books.

 

[TheJadedDog]

Homercidal pretty much hit the nail on the head. Personally I go with extra light DME as I I am then able to control the color with specialty grains.