8 replies to this topic

[positiveContact]

I know they are supposed to be pretty much the same thing but made by different malsters but can anyone actually tell the difference?  I've been ending up with carapils for quite some time now but I wonder if my beers would taste any different with carafoam.

Edited by Zsasz, 29 May 2019 - 01:31 PM.

[jimdkc]

Interchangeable is my understanding... I think I've only used carapils...

[HVB]

I know they say interchangeable but I like carafoam better. Granted, I have not done a side by side.

[jimdkc]

So a bit of research reveals that they're not really the same at all:

 

Weyermann sells the same product as CaraFoam in the US and Canada, and as CaraPils everywhere else because Briess got the US & Canada Trademark on "CaraPils" first.

 

Briess CaraPils is a very light (1.5°L) true crystal malt that hasn't been roasted enough to develop the color and flavor usually associated with crystal malts. No diastatic power. Recommended usage of up to 5% of the grist.

 

Weyermann CaraFoam (aka CaraPils elsewhere) is NOT a crystal malt. It's slightly darker (1.5-3°L). Diastatic power of about 35-45° Litner (just on the verge of being able to convert itself). Recommended usage is up to 40% of grist.

[positiveContact]

I know they say interchangeable but I like carafoam better. Granted, I have not done a side by side.

 

what do you think is better about it?  now I'm annoyed at myself for buying carapils all these years!

[Bklmt2000]

I've used both; both are good malts.

 

In my case, I bought whichever was cheaper at the LHBS when I shopped there.

 

Don't recall there being a noticeable difference in taste/color/head retention, etc., between the 2, but then again, I used no more than 0.5lb in a 5 gal batch, so there's that.

[HVB]

what do you think is better about it?  now I'm annoyed at myself for buying carapils all these years!

I find CF gives better body and head retention. Now, it may all be blind bias or in my head or what.  But I also find I can use more CF than CP.  I will often go 1# in a NEIPA.

[Merlinwerks]

THIS is an interesting read.

[Genesee Ted]

THIS is an interesting read.

http://scottjanish.c...s-and-mouthfeel