Help with base malt

[jtbrewcrafter]

Hey guys. Fixing to start my 2nd AG brew and the recipe calls for Northwestern Pale Ale Malt, Great Western (4.1 srm). Thing is, none of my lhbs carry it. Wondering what would be a good substitute? US Pale or UK, or something else entirely. Thanks.

 

[GilSwillBasementBrews]

I would think any US 2-row would be a substitute. Just my opinion.

 

[stpug]

With that color rating and considering it's called "pale ale" malt, I would go with a higher kilned pale ale malt. Gambrinus pale ale malt if they have it, maris otter, or even golden promise. But that's just my opinion and I'm no expert.... just an average Joe

 

[stevedasleeve]

Maris Otter is generally 4ish, my favorite base malt bar none - Crisp, Simpson, Baird...whatever. American 2-row is paler - and pales in comparison IMHO! That said is your recipe will be just a little different but still very much the same no matter what base malt you use.

 

[stpug]

Maris Otter is generally 4ish, my favorite base malt bar none - Crisp, Simpson, Baird...whatever. American 2-row is paler - and pales in comparison IMHO! That said is your recipe will be just a little different but still very much the same no matter what base malt you use.

While I agree that US 2-row is not as characteristic as MO or many other base grains, sometimes that's exactly what you want . I guess you could say that "it has it's place"

 

[wilserbrewer]

Canada Malting also makes a pale malt that is widely available and priced right.

 

[MedicMang]

What kind of beer are you making?

 

[stevedasleeve]

Well sure! For my big hoppy beers 2-row works fine and is 3/4 the price. Also for big stouts, but any 1.054ish or lower I go with something else - MO or Pilsner or Golden Promise. Just my taste, I am 100% sure it does not comport to everyone.

Steve

 

[jtbrewcrafter]

Thanks for your input. Its a chocolate stout.

 

[MedicMang]

Yum. You should totally skip the 2-row and go with some Maris Otter to give it some more umph. Good luck.

 

[Demus]

Sub any base malt, you won't taste it in a chocolate stout...