What is the number in a malt name?

[stevet]

Hey folks,
I can't stop reading about brewing since I started a little while ago.
But one thing I haven't covered yet...
What is the number with the degree symbol mean? ie Crystal 5*L
Thanks in advance
Cheers

 

[enkamania]

Basically how dark, Beer measurement - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[enkamania]

Basically it refers to the color, the higher the number, the darker.

Beer measurement - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[jeepinjeepin]

Degrees Lovibond. It's a measure of the color of the malt. Color is darkened by hotter/longer kilning after malting. It also affects flavor. Darker grains have bolder flavors.

 

[stevet]

Thanks all. Figured it was something like that.
Cheers