Lightest Extract?

Brewbeard · Oct 28, 2007

I heard that for almost all beer styles (including porters and stouts) it is better to start with the lightest extract possible and then add the particular flavors and colors for the style using steeping grains.

I was planning to start to moving towards doing partial mashes in order to also extract qualities from the grains and, to save money, I was going to buy bulk DME from Northern Brewer.

I was curious whether if it would be better to buy the lightest (either the Briess Pilsen Extract or Muntons Extra Light) or just regular Light (Briess Golden Light or Muntons Light).

Essentially I just want an extract that is just fermentable base grains, using my partial mash grains to add whatever flavors are necessary for the style.

Also, would Briess or Muntons extract be better? I'm leaning towards Briess just because it is significantly cheaper, but I'll shell out for the Muntons if it is significantly better. I heard Briess uses entirely 6-row, while I think I might prefer getting a DME that is made from 2-row.

That's a mouthful, but any advice or help would be appreciated.

TheJadedDog · Oct 28, 2007

I really like Munton's extra light DME for all my brews. I have been using it since I started brewing and continue to use it now that I PM. Personal preference for me would be to go with extra light over light although there isn't really much difference.

MashStirBrew · Oct 28, 2007

One thing to keep in mind before you order bulk DME for PM is that you may do one PM and end up doing AG for your next batch. I just did my first PM 2 weeks ago and realized how easy it actually is, and am doing my first AG tomorrow. I have a 3lb bag of DME standing by incase I get a really poor efficiency. But if you have a 5 gallon MLT and a boil pot big enough you can mash a good 12lbs of grain in about the same time you can do 5. I had the 55lb bag of xl DME in my cart from Midwest when I realized I could buy bulk grain a whole lot cheaper. Good luck.

Gedvondur · Oct 28, 2007

I bought two 50lbs bags of Breiss DME, one Golden Light, and one Pilsen. There is no significant difference in quality between Muntons and Briess. I like both.

There is significant saving to be had when buying DME in bulk. Especially when considering the possibility of increased prices for these ingredients.

All you have to do is get a nice airtight container to keep it in.

Gedvondur

homebrewer_99 · Oct 28, 2007

I buy all my DME bulk.

I also recommend the Extra Light DME, but make that your base malt for your lighter brews.

For dunkelbocks, porters and stouts it really doesn't matter...go with the dark DME and add grains for additional flavoring.