goodbye kit, hello confusion

[gmadd]

So I've been doing all grain for two years now. Catch is that I've always used NB all grain kits. I decided to try using a recipe, fine...but. Have no experience in getting specific grains. For example, the IPA recipe I'm using calls for:

American two row malt, Munich malt, Crystal (15L), and Crystal (40L)

So if I look on the NB site I'm guessing I'm gonna order:
Rahr 2row, German Munich malt. I can't find the 15 or 40 Crystal, I only see medium dark or extra dark (higher numbers).

First question is are the two row and the munich they have good ones?
Second question which Crystal malts do I use? Thanks in advance.

 

[schoolmaster]

While not a direct answer to your question... I just formulated my very first recipe today; I've previously used kits for every batch. I downloaded the Beer Smith software and it really helped me to hit target gravities, SRM and IBUs.
It took a ton of confusion out of trying to design my beer. LINK

 

[nootay]

check out austin homebrew, they have what you are talking about. if you are going to go this route, you might as well get bulk base grain:

http://www.austinhomebrew.com/produ...10345&osCsid=5d2f42eb24570925ab71b3c05ae10b7d

the other grains:

http://www.austinhomebrew.com/produ...id=87&osCsid=5d2f42eb24570925ab71b3c05ae10b7d

http://www.austinhomebrew.com/produ...id=94&osCsid=5d2f42eb24570925ab71b3c05ae10b7d

im not sure about the crystal 15. can you just get half crystal 10 and half crystal 20?

 

[jwright]

gmadd,

There is an easier way.

Go to Brewmasters Warehouse (another forum supporter). There is a brewbuilder on the site and a great grain selection. Order your desired amounts, down to the ounce. Ed has a great crush and everything arrives nicely packaged. You will likely see a big jump in effeciency as well. there is also a 10% off code on the board somewhere. I like NB as well, but for ingredients, BMW has become a no-brainer!

There is also a nice recipe database with many HBT recipes. You can also save and share your own. If you have any questions regarding specific grains or substitutions - give Ed a call, he has always been spot on with advice.

Give them a try, you wont be disappointed.

Jason

I second what schoolmaster said - I use Beersmith to adjust recipes to my desired volumes and effeciency then plug the amounts into BMW's brewbuider - it really couldn't be any simpler

 

[ajf]

NB do Caramel 10, 20, and 40. Caramel is just a different name for Crystal, so you will have to choose between 10 and 20 instead of 15 (I'd use 20, but that's probably because I don't like very light crystal. Either would be fine). The 40 is available.

The Rahr and Munich should be fine.

-a.

 

[suprchunk]

if you are going to go this route, you might as well get bulk base grain:

+1, but not with AHS. Their prices have doubled on the bulk grain in recent years. And they used to have a bulk area some time ago that had awesome prices. If you go with buying it in bulk, get a couple other people to go in with you, and get a way better price.

 

[Homercidal]

http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/brewing-ingredients/grain-malts/caramel-malts

Crystal is the same as Caramel.

All of the online LHBS places has this stuff and any of them mentioned has great service. I've personally ordered a few times from Northern and have great experiences.