LME - much difference between brands?

[aidan]

Hello,
I have 2 brands of liquid malt extract available to me locally - Coopers (http://www.brewshop.co.nz/malts-grains/coopers-amber-malt-extract.html) and a cheaper brand called Brewmaster (http://www.brewshop.co.nz/malts-grains/amber-malt-extract.html). The cheaper brand is about half the price of the Coopers. I've brewed 2 batches from kits and I'm planning on using extract plus hops plus steeped grains for my next batch. Do you reckon that malt extract is malt extract or is there a difference between the cheaper and more expensive brands?

One thing that has me concerned about the Brewmaster stuff is that the label says: Brewmaster Amber Malt adds flavour and texture to all kit and mash beers. Mix contents into wort before fermentation

i.e. it appears to be positioning itself as an additive rather than a primary ingredient for extract brewing. Whereas the Coopers description is: 100% pure amber malt extract for extract brewing or where additional depth and flavour is required.

What do you guys reckon? Anyone come across the Brewmaster brand of LME? Will it work fine for extract brewing? Why such a big price difference?

 

[SteveM]

The Brewmaster looks like it was made in someone's kitchen. This doesn't mean that it's not good, but I think it would be reasonable to be concerned about potential quality control issues.

I've used Coopers many times and had good results.

I would experiment - try a batch with the Brewmasters and see how it comes out.

 

[yodalegomaster]

There are very few makers of LME I wouldn't be suprised to find out they both were made by coopers. The only difference might be how it arrives, the packaging from coopers is done at the plant where it's made. It looks like the cheaper one was bought OEM in a 55 gallon drum and packaged at the store. That's not to say the store brand is bad or infected. I would try both and see if there is a difference.

 

[cruckin78]

There are very few makers of LME I wouldn't be suprised to find out they both were made by coopers. The only difference might be how it arrives, the packaging from coopers is done at the plant where it's made. It looks like the cheaper one was bought OEM in a 55 gallon drum and packaged at the store. That's not to say the store brand is bad or infected. I would try both and see if there is a difference.

same here....
I always use my LHBS's LME....No issues so far.

 

[birvine]

I think as long as the LME is fairly fresh then you're good to go. I have used hopped cans of LME but have recently switched to bulk LME from a BOP. Delicious!

B

 

[aidan]

What about the fact that it says on the label 'Brewmaster Amber Malt adds flavour and texture to all kit and mash beers. Mix contents into wort before fermentation'. Would that that give you concern?

 

[ChandlerBang]

What about the fact that it says on the label 'Brewmaster Amber Malt adds flavour and texture to all kit and mash beers. Mix contents into wort before fermentation'. Would that that give you concern?

I think that is a blanket statement. Meaning it works for AG or extract brews. I'm not worried.

 

[aidan]

cheers, I should probably go with Coopers for first attempt and then try the cheap stuff on next batch. It's a 100% price difference so I'm hoping the cheap stuff works as well or almost as well.

 

[jonmohno]

sometimes there is a reason for cheapness,then you find out later sometimes.