Question about base malts

[Eskimo Spy]

I'm about to buy a bulk order of 2-row from Foreman's, but I wanted to make sure I understand these base malts first.

Most of what I brew at the moment are ales, and they fall into these categories:

American Pale Wheat Ale
American IPA Ale
American Amber Ale
English Pale Ale

So, I started looking at what was common between them. They all seem to call for 2-row pale malt, some American, some British.

I assume when a recipe calls for pilsner, maris otter, pale, etc, these are all types of two-row, just with different flavor characteristics and kilned differently? Am I understanding this correctly? If not, how do you differentiate between all the different varieties? Is it just based on taste characteristics and conversion rates?

I'm thinking that I should order 50# of Klages 2 row Malted Barley and 50# of English maris otter, that way I can make my English ales using MO and my American ales using Klages.

[mwedge]

Yes you are correct. They are all 2 row based barleys. When you see the term Marris Otter, Klages, Harrington, etc.. they are just different varietes of 2 row barley.

That is a good plan to get the Klages for your American and Marris Otter for your english beers. In my opinion you can't do any better than marris otter for any ale whether english or american. I use it for both. It is typically a little more expensive than the american varieties but worth it.

[Eskimo Spy]

What flavor characteristics does the MO have that you like compared to any other 2-row?

[mwedge]

To me it has a richer flavor along with a slight nuttiness that I find appealing in my ales. Also for me I get a little higher yield with marris otter.

[gwbbc]

The bucket "K1 Klages" is not Klages but now Weyermann Pale which is a continental pale. It is very simular to Marris Otter and excellent for any ale and most lagers with the exception of Pilsners. Let them know you are a C&H member and you get 10% off, including sack prices.

[nickpgoodman]

James is correct.

Foreman's needs to update his labels for all his grain.

His 2 row is Weyerman Pale Malt, and his Pils is Weyerman Pils.

The german pale malt would be great for all the beers you brew and save you from purchasing two different types of base malt.

[Eskimo Spy]

Great, thanks for the info. I guess I'm safe with Weyermann pale for all my ales and most lagers, and Weyermann pils for and pilseners.

Looking forward to meeting all you guys on March 3rd, 7PM, right?

[Mattman]

Yep, 7pm, Tuesday, March 3rd at the Flying Pig (formerly known as Charlie's Pizza). The address is 2220 Handley Drive, Fort Worth, TX, 76112. It just a couple of blocks east of East Loop 820. There is a map in a post by our Prez, Vicki.