What is the best pale ale malt:

[iXanadu]

I'm working through my 2nd bag of Briess 2-Row, but wonder if there is a better variety. I have access to the following ($22 shipping) so the delivered cost is very similar to picking up a bag of Briess at my LBHS. What is the best pale ale malt.

Note: I use Thomas Faucet Marris Otter when doing a maltier brew, am looking for a Briess 2-row alternative.

All bags 55# (add $22 shipping for total cost)

Malteries Franco-Belges: Pale Ale Malt $34.73

Thomas Faucet:
Halcyon Pale Ale Malt $38.68
Optic Pale Ale Malt $38.59
Pearl Pale Ale Malt $38.68
Gldn. Promise Pale Ale Malt $40.79

Bairds Malt: Pale Ale Malt $38.34

Canadian Malting Co: 2 Row Pale Ale Malt $35.89

 

[Baja_Brewer]

I've used Briess, Rahr, and CDN malting Company and I really haven't noticed a difference between them. I'm sure someone with a more informed opinion will chime in. BTW, where do you order from with decent prices like that?

Also, I know some people are particular to Marris Otter, but I believe that to be for more english styled ales.

 

[Scut_Monkey]

From what I have asked most people say a 2-row is a 2-row. I don't have enough experience to say otherwise and this statement is obviously not true with Marris Otter. I have also heard that to eumulate Marris Otter you can use regular 2-row with some crystal 20L thrown in. Again, this is all stuff I have heard around here with no experience to say that it's actually true.

What I can say is I recently bought my first 50# bag of 2-row (Briess) and it seems to be making a great Stone IPA clone.

 

[iXanadu]

The Country Malt Group

It cost me $23 to ship a 55lb bag to my place. I think it shipped out of a NY ware-house.

Wish I could get more feed-back. If its same-same, I think I might just start ordering the cheapest bag I can get. (Except I'll always use MO for english style beers).

 

[jacksonbrown]

I've used Rahr and Breiss and couldn't tell the differentce. In fact, I have no idea which I'm using right now (I'm at the bottom of my barrel and can't remember which I bought last). I think the most important aspect will be the freshness of the grain when you buy it and how it has been stored.

 

[ajf]

The North American malts will be different than the British malts which will be different than the European malts.
But that doesn't mean that one is better than another unless you need it for a specific purpose.

-a.