Viking malts

[tennesseean_87]

Mash temp?

152, iirc and OG 1.047 or so. I didn’t mean that the beer turned out less malty than expected, just that other flavors are dominant in these recipes—hops in one and sour, tequila, salty lime in the other.

I did just remember that I forgot to add my acid addition to this mash, and I think that put me at the upper end of acceptable for mash pH. Maybe that gave the slightly lower efficiency I experienced.

 

[tennesseean_87]

Mash temp?

What I meant is that there's a lot going on besides the malt profile. I think it was 150-152, but with all the added sourness, lime, agave, salt in the Gose and hefty hopping in the IPA, they just weren't great candidates for comparing the malt profile.

I got feedback on the light steam beer that I mashed a little higher at my brew club; malt profile was ok, but not a great pils profile. This was in a 1.040 beer with 1.5 lbs munich added.

I'm not super disappointed, since I got this when it was on sale/there was a coupon running and free shipping, so I think it came out to about $30/sack or something. I'm still trying to find a way to get imported base malts at wholesale prices. They cost about $80 at the LHBS, which is not that great.

 

[Nate R]

What I meant is that there's a lot going on besides the malt profile. I think it was 150-152, but with all the added sourness, lime, agave, salt in the Gose and hefty hopping in the IPA, they just weren't great candidates for comparing the malt profile.

I got feedback on the light steam beer that I mashed a little higher at my brew club; malt profile was ok, but not a great pils profile. This was in a 1.040 beer with 1.5 lbs munich added.

I'm not super disappointed, since I got this when it was on sale/there was a coupon running and free shipping, so I think it came out to about $30/sack or something. I'm still trying to find a way to get imported base malts at wholesale prices. They cost about $80 at the LHBS, which is not that great.

If you are in USA, you should be able to order bulk sacks from a major online retailer. Even with shipping charges it should be cheaper than $80. I would think the lhbs would offer a deal on a full sack.
Also nirthern brewer has 20% off $150 or more and free shipping so if you did say 2 or 3 sa ks it might be a good deal.

Too bad you are not near a morebeer showroom. They often have in store specials on sacks. Viking pale (not extra pale) was $24.99 a sack last time i was there.

 

[tennesseean_87]

If you are in USA, you should be able to order bulk sacks from a major online retailer. Even with shipping charges it should be cheaper than $80. I would think the lhbs would offer a deal on a full sack.
Also nirthern brewer has 20% off $150 or more and free shipping so if you did say 2 or 3 sa ks it might be a good deal.

Too bad you are not near a morebeer showroom. They often have in store specials on sacks. Viking pale (not extra pale) was $24.99 a sack last time i was there.

Believe me, I've looked. Shipping always kills the deal. Midwest/NB coupons do not count toward bulk sacks. Morebeer doesn't ship bulk sacks for free. Shipping came be $30 or more from places I've checked. Ritebrew is decent but shipping kills it. If you're nearby they have a decent local shipping option, but I moved form the area.

They're nearly $70 at Midwest, and I think imported stuff is ~$75 plus tax at the LHBS which comes out to around $80.

Austin Homebrew has free shipping but prices over $80

If I'm missing anything with decent shipping to Albuquerque, let me know.

 

[Nate R]

Believe me, I've looked. Shipping always kills the deal. Midwest/NB coupons do not count toward bulk sacks. Morebeer doesn't ship bulk sacks for free. Shipping came be $30 or more from places I've checked. Ritebrew is decent but shipping kills it. If you're nearby they have a decent local shipping option, but I moved form the area.

They're nearly $70 at Midwest, and I think imported stuff is ~$75 plus tax at the LHBS which comes out to around $80.

Austin Homebrew has free shipping but prices over $80

If I'm missing anything with decent shipping to Albuquerque, let me know.

Bummer. I guess since i am closer to the warehouse shipping is cheaper.

 

[BruceH]

Believe me, I've looked. Shipping always kills the deal. Midwest/NB coupons do not count toward bulk sacks. Morebeer doesn't ship bulk sacks for free. Shipping came be $30 or more from places I've checked. Ritebrew is decent but shipping kills it. If you're nearby they have a decent local shipping option, but I moved form the area.

They're nearly $70 at Midwest, and I think imported stuff is ~$75 plus tax at the LHBS which comes out to around $80.

Austin Homebrew has free shipping but prices over $80

If I'm missing anything with decent shipping to Albuquerque, let me know.

Morebeer will sell 10lb bags of grain with free shipping over $59 total. A 10lb bag of Briess 2 row is $10.69. It offers the ability to get the same amount of grain as a full sack for under $60. But, you need to order at least $59 to get the free shipping.

I mix and match 10lb bags when I order from them.

 

[Dland]

I'm getting to like Viking, though I have only used two row and pilsner malts. Good results in yield and flavor. If you are shooting for a certain light color in wort/beer, you may find it a bit darker than other brands.

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

Believe me, I've looked. Shipping always kills the deal. Midwest/NB coupons do not count toward bulk sacks. Morebeer doesn't ship bulk sacks for free. Shipping came be $30 or more from places I've checked. Ritebrew is decent but shipping kills it. If you're nearby they have a decent local shipping option, but I moved form the area.

They're nearly $70 at Midwest, and I think imported stuff is ~$75 plus tax at the LHBS which comes out to around $80.

Austin Homebrew has free shipping but prices over $80

If I'm missing anything with decent shipping to Albuquerque, let me know.

Look for the local grain buys.

 

[sicktght311]

Made this Oat Cream NEIPA with Viking 2-row as the base. I get about 5% lower in my efficiency, which i just adjust for with the recipe, but the final SRM is pretty close to standard Briess or comparable 2-row versions i've made in the past. Maybe slightly darker, but only 1 or 2 points which to me isn't a huge deal. Just used the last of my first 50lbs of Viking 2 row on a Wheat Beer, and just bought another 50lbs of it, so we'll see what this next 50 lbs looks like. This recipe was 50% Viking 2 Row, 25% White Wheat Malt, 15% Flaked oats, and 10% Flaked Wheat

 

[sicktght311]

Just ordered some of their Roasted Barley and Black Malts. Hoping i have similar successes with them in my Imperial Stout

 

[Saunassa]

Made this Oat Cream NEIPA with Viking 2-row as the base. I get about 5% lower in my efficiency, which i just adjust for with the recipe, but the final SRM is pretty close to standard Briess or comparable 2-row versions i've made in the past. Maybe slightly darker, but only 1 or 2 points which to me isn't a huge deal. Just used the last of my first 50lbs of Viking 2 row on a Wheat Beer, and just bought another 50lbs of it, so we'll see what this next 50 lbs looks like. This recipe was 50% Viking 2 Row, 25% White Wheat Malt, 15% Flaked oats, and 10% Flaked Wheat

Is this truly a 2 row or was this with their pale ale malt which is what I have seen and looks darker.

 

[sicktght311]

Is this truly a 2 row or was this with their pale ale malt which is what I have seen and looks darker.

Just checked my Morebeer order from June. Viking pale malt

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

I know this is an old thread, but I've now done several brews using Viking Pale malt. Hit my numbers. Only issue is I must slightly widen the mill gap when milling the Viking Pale malt otherwise the mill binds (this doesn't happen with, say, Avangard Malz). IMO, no big deal.

 

[Nate R]

I know this is an old thread, but I've now done several brews using Viking Pale malt. Hit my numbers. Only issue is I must slightly widen the mill gap when milling the Viking Pale malt otherwise the mill binds (this doesn't happen with, say, Avangard Malz). IMO, no big deal.

Appreciate the update! Did you notice any color difference?

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

Appreciate the update! Did you notice any color difference?

Not that I can tell. I realize the maltster SRM values change from batch to batch. If the color is close to what BeerSmith estimates, if the color is close to style, then it's good by me.

The Viking Pale ale malt bag indicates 2.1L to 3.2L. So, use an average of 2.65L.

 

[Carolina_Matt]

Appreciate the update! Did you notice any color difference?

When I used the original Viking Pale Ale Malt, I noticed the beer was darker than when I used Briess. The Viking Xtra Pale Ale is a little more expensive, but the color wasn't as dark.

I also noticed that the Viking Pale Ale was bigger than other base grains, and it caused my grain mill to jam. I haven't noticed that in the Xtra Pale Ale yet.

 

[Nate R]

Well... here's some anecdotal only, no science, my opinion and musings thoughts...
I finally brewed thru all my 2-row, and opened up my Viking malt pale ale malt. I picked this up in store at Morebeer's 15% off showroom sale... so, it was about $22 for a sack. Maybe $0.40 to $0.45 a pound?? (Math is hard).
Anyhow... decided to do a mostly single malt brew with it. 14# viking pale, 0.5# acid and 0.5# carafoam.
I used Imperial "house" strain.

Overall... i would dearcibe the color as a touch darker than sierra nevada pale ale. I certainly get just a little extra touch of malty sweetness. Some of this is the yeast, but i used the same strain in my last batch with Rahr 2-row, and it was not as sweet.
The kernals are for sure bigger.
I am happy i brewed only with it- i think for the price you just can't beat it.
Going forward, i think i would use this grain mixed with standard 2-row (GW, Breiss, Rahr) and skip adding any, or drop down, caramel malts. I think this used at a mix of 30% with 70% 2-row would make a kick azz base for a hoppy ale. Plenty of malt backbone and color, but still a touch dryer finish.

Anyways... overall i would certainly consider Viking malt for other types as well. Of course with the hike in shipping before Covid, and now with Covid, we may just all be lucky to get any grain!!!

Hope this helps someone- but again nothing near scientific!!!
Also- if you are looking to recreate an exact recepie or win a contest (both things i do not do right now) for sure try a test batch.
Otherwise, if you are just looking to brew up a batch, for the price, it's worth it.

 

[smata67]

I've got two all Viking beers fermenting right now, AHA's Lil Sumpin clone and a Nugget IPA I composed with Pilsner, Pale Ale, Munich, and Briess C10. I have to say that I was initially a bit skeptical about other's claims regarding not hitting OG numbers, but both fell short by about 10%. So if hitting OG is important, either boost grain content or have some DME handy to make up for the shortfall. Not really an issue for me, this just means the drinkability is higher, but some might be peaved.

We will see how these turn out, but based on the nose so far, they should be great. I can also say that the pilsner, pale, and wheat ran through my 3 roller MoreBeer Malt Muncher (aka Kegco) without any issues. In fact, I made it a point to inspect the crush due to others reporting problems and was impressed on how well the mill handled the somewhat larger grain. Lots of nearly full size hulls with no endosperm, so if your mill is not working optimally, you will likely take an even further hit on efficiency over the 10% I experienced. More anecdotal "evidence," but hey, science is vastly over-rated (I should know!).

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

I do wonder, since the Viking malt has plumper kernels, if one doesn't adjust the malt mill for the Viking malt, this may be the cause of not hitting the numbers? In other words, improper crush.

I recently brewed a Bass ale using Viking Pale Ale malt. Adjusted my mill, actually had to adjust my mill as the Viking malt kernels kept binding the mill. BS estimated OG at 1.051 and I got 1.053.

 

[bracconiere]

little extra touch of malty sweetness

same, and i don't care for it.....i prefer rough/gritty maltiness.....

 

[Nate R]

same, and i don't care for it.....i prefer rough/gritty maltiness.....

You know @bracconiere ... i think we brew for two entirely different reasons... but the more i read your posts, the more i think i would most like to spend a brew day with you!!!
Me too!! Never been a malty guy. Love the dry crisp!!! I find myself mashing at lower and lower temps... getting away from any caramel malt additions...
But, as i wish my pappy always would have said: "Beer is like women: aint no one type is perfect for every man. That's why God made 'em the way he did. All different, but all perfect in their own way."

 

[bracconiere]

i would most like to spend a brew day with you!!!

lol, i just got the chance to have a shared brew day with short circuited brewing on youtube, at least me and 180 other people, lol...and i brew on my NG stove!


(i like your footnote!!) speaking of which...it's 3am here, and for a sense of humor....lol

 

[Beer-lord]

I'm 6 brews into using my Viking 2 row that I mixed about 50/50 with my left over Rahr 2 row. I have seen a slight hit in efficiency even double crushing. The beers I've made with other malts (Great Western and Lamonta) are all fine.
I can't say I notice any difference in the quality or taste of Viking malt though.

 

[verboten]

This is Viking pilsner and some flaked maize. S-23 yeast. I think it came out perfect.

 

[Carolina_Matt]

I'm not sure if it's due to COVID, and if prices will revert back once things settle down. But I just checked Morebeer, and Viking malts are no longer cheaper than the competition.

Viking Pale Malt used to be $7.99 for a 10 pound bag, and Xtra Pale was something like $8.69. Now they're $10.99 per bag, which is the same as Briess. If there's no cost savings, I'd rather just stick with Briess.

 

[BruceH]

I'm still waiting on a morebeer shipment from 9 days ago. Still hasn't shipped. They must be super busy. At least they didn't get rid of free shipping. Glad I have plenty of supplies on hand.

 

[Nate R]

They didnt get rid of free shipping, but i think as matt pointed out above, the nee prices help make up for it maybe?

There free shipping is like 10 days behind, buy they DO give the right date frame at checkout.

 

[BruceH]

They didnt get rid of free shipping, but i think as matt pointed out above, the nee prices help make up for it maybe?

There free shipping is like 10 days behind, buy they DO give the right date frame at checkout.

Correct. I'm not complaining, just stating, I'll keep doing business with morebeer, love them.

I did notice another supplier decided to keep high prices and get rid of free shipping. Don't think I'll be doing business with NB anymore after they pulled that one.

 

[Nate R]

Correct. I'm not complaining, just stating, I'll keep doing business with morebeer, love them.

I did notice another supplier decided to keep high prices and get rid of free shipping. Don't think I'll be doing business with NB anymore after they pulled that one.

Yeah- i saw that too!! Lol.
Yet... i broke down and got their maelstrom stir plate. I am doing 5L starters now and my el cheapo $20 amazon version just didnt cut it.
I love more beer. Great service and fair prices. Also, i love close by, so shipping is usially fast.

 

[smata67]

For anyone still using Beersmith 2, you can import all Viking malts, as well as many other newer malts, hops , and yeasts, by loading a trial version of Beersmith 3 and exporting the ingredients to BS2 format, then importing these back to BS2.