Pilsner Malt Comparison: Rahr vs. Weyermann vs. Great Western vs. Viking

[FranklinsBeerTower]

Hi all, curious if folks have strong opinions about differences between some of the more popular pilsner malts available to homebrewers. I'm specifically looking to order a 55 lb. bag and have a few WC IPAs and APAs planned. I'm sure any reputable pilsner malt can produce a nice WCIPA or APA, but I'm curious if folks have strong, experience-based opinions about the differences between Viking, Great Western Superior Pilsen, Weyermann (Barke, Floor Malted, etc.), and Rahr North Star (or any others!).

 

[Bobby_M]

I've brewed side by side batches of just pils malt, loosely Helles recipes, and all differences are subtle. I'd say the biggest difference is between Euro grown and domestic. North Star is a bit rustic and grassy and I would expect both Viking and Great Western to be closer to that than the Euros. Barke is noticeably sweeter and more candy like. Floor malted bo pils is under modified and will give you less yield than all the others without a step mash. It's actually a product designed for decoction mashing, but will work with an easier temperature driven step mash.

 

[FranklinsBeerTower]

That's really helpful, thanks as always Bobby.

 

[day_trippr]

fwiw, Weyermann pilsner was recommended to me well over a decade ago and that's what I've used ever since...

Cheers!