Extra Dark Crystal Malt

[Clibit]

Thinking of ordering some of this, can anyone recommend good ways to use it? I like the effect dark crystal can have in dark and red ales, is the extra dark just more so, or a completely different animal? Is it a small % thing, or could you chuck 10% or more at a roasty kinda beer? Any good recipes with Extra Dark Crystal would be helpful too.

I'm talking about the Warminster 400EBC (approx 200L) version.

Cheers

[zgoda]

Look for Stone Arrogant Bastard clone from Jamil Show Can You Brew It.

[Clibit]

Cheers, will do. Have you made it?

[zgoda]

Yes, the recipe from CYBI is spot on. Almost exact copy of original thing. After this beer I realized I don't like Chinook at all.

[Clibit]

I lurve Chinook.

[orlando]

I lurve Chinook.

Me too, grapefruit a gogo. Anyway dark crystal. I have some dark crystal at 150 EBC but never used any at 400! Even with 150 you have to be a little careful as it is quite a sweet beer if you use too much and haven't balanced it with hops and alcohol. Question of course is how much is too much, I found this to be a good guide, forgive the American spec. "5 to 15% will lend a complex bittersweet caramel flavor and aroma to beers. Used in smaller quantities this malt will add color and slight sweetness to beers, while heavier concentrations are well suited to strong beers such as Barleywines and Old Ales."

So make an Old Ale or a Barley Wine

[DeGarre]

I've only ever used 150 ebc crystal and my max is 5% of grist bill. Double that and you get that London Pride cloying caramel sweetness. I prefer to have 4% crystal then rather back it up with 10-15% Munich.

[Clibit]

150 EBC is about 75 Lovibond, which is standard crystal. Dark crystal is around 120 Lovibond, about 240 EBC. Extra dark is in the 180 - 200 Lovibond area, 350 - 400 EBC.

This is what I believe anyway, based on what I have read, my software, and the stuff I have bought. I've seen Special B described as various colours between 120L and 200L, around 240 - 400 EBC.