Inexpensive Alternative for Golden Promise?

pamulli · Jan 20, 2015

I'm getting ready to do a big batch of Scotch Ale and am wondering if there are any good (less expensive) US alternatives to Golden Promise or Maris Otter? I like the full flavor and sweetness they provide, but can't really afford the premium price I'm finding everywhere. I'm having a hard time finding any good resources that profile malt flavors.

Any recommendations are appreciated.

Thanks,

evanmars · Jan 20, 2015

Sorry, premium price for a premium product.
Here is a chart of possibilities:
http://www.brew.is/files/malt.html

Pappers_ · Jan 20, 2015

I use US or Canadien pale malt, which is a little more complex than standard two row. Might be a good sub.

geckholm · Jan 20, 2015

have you tried Great Western Northwest Pale Ale Malt?

"Northwest Pale Ale Malt (2.6-3.0°L)
A slightly darker base malt than our Premium 2-Row, our Northwest Pale Ale Malt is produced from well-modified, Western-grown 2-Row barley, with a kilning regimen based closely on traditional British Pale Ale malting practices. Contributes a malty complexity to beer flavor and aroma. Excellent in American Pale Ales and American versions of British beer styles."

poptarts · Jan 20, 2015

Buy a bag in bulk

sandyeggoxj · Jan 20, 2015

I'll second the NW Pale malt. Usually closer to domestic 2row prices but closer to that english flavor you want.

grathan · Jan 20, 2015

briess 2-row with 3% carapils?

giraffe · Jan 20, 2015

I keep trying the nw pale, and being disappointed by its blandness, even by my low expectations. But something like that, or gambrinus esb malt, plus like 2-3% victory malt is the closest you can do to MO domestically that ive tried.

masonsjax · Jan 20, 2015

I love Golden Promise but it is pricey, even in bulk. I buy all my grain in bulk and GP is ~50% more expensive than standard 2-row. There is no real substitute though IMO. For Maris Otter though, I've found US Pale Ale malts to be very similar (throw a bit of Munich 20L in and it's a dead ringer), and that is nearly as cheap as plain 2-row. I use lots of Pale Ale malt, usually I buy Rahr because it's the cheapest our club can get.