15 replies to this topic

[CaptRon]

So I am going to be getting a sack of 2-Row. I've never bought a sack before, only what I needed from my LHBS who has it in their bin as "American 2-Row". So here are the two I am looking at, which would you choose?1) Domestic 2-Row2) American PaleI'm thinking the American Pale is a better base malt choice. What do you guys think?

[realbeerguy]

Both will serve you fine. Your choice of recipe ( specialty malts), mash temp, & yeast will allow you to manipulate the final outcome more than either these malts. Your would see a bigger difference if you chose Maris Otter or Crisp instead of those 2.

[CaptRon]

Your would see a bigger difference if you chose Maris Otter or Crisp instead of those 2.

Yeah, but those are like twice the cost.

[Bigeasy]

I don't have any experience with GW products so can't comment on that specifically.I use Briess (my LHBS carries it) but the color looks pretty close between the brands.I started using the dom. 2 row version and crafted a couple IPA and APA recipes that I brew repeatedly.All those recipes generally included some Munich and/or crystal variants.A while back I decided to expand my horizons and try the pale ale malt.The two are quite different.Using the same recipes I quickly learned that with teh PA malt I didn't need the specialty malts and in fact the beers without them were far better.It just seemed that the PA malt got me the flavor I was always chasing -one more like the commercial IPA's I love- without the specialties.So,I'd say the Pale Ale,but if you're used to the regular 2 row in your recipes be aware that you'll have to make changes.PS...I used the PA in some darker beers (Imp QSS ) and couldn't tell the difference.

[Jimmy James]

They have the GW American Pale at my LHBS and I use it frequently. It's a nice base malt - I wouldn't say it's close to an English malt - MO has a lot more malty flavor - but it isn't devoid of flavor either. Just really mellow and great for beers where you want to use specialty/caramel malts and let your hops shine. It also works great in Belgian Ales as a substitute for continental pils or Belgian Pale, in styles where yeast-derived flavors tend to dominate.

[BlKtRe]

I also prefer the Pale. Its just slightly a darker LB, but for some reason the Pale adds a more deeper malt complexion.

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

I use pale but I bought it by accident. I've liked it

[djinkc]

I switched to the Pale one time the 2-row wasn't available on our group buy. Never went back. There's really not much difference.

[Stout_fan]

So I am going to be getting a sack of 2-Row. I've never bought a sack before, ...

The first sack is the best.It's the time the little voice in the back of your head says you are taking this hobby a bit too far.Upon which your logical side tells it to shut the hell up.Seriously though,Grab about 6 grains of one, and munch on them.Cleanse you palate with a bit of water, beer is even better.Repeat for the other type.What flavor do you want in your beer?That's the one you buy.If brewing an IPA or some hoppy pale thing stop here.If you're doing a mild or reasonably balanced beer walk over to the British 2 row and repeat.Convince yourself that the flavor difference isn't worth the extra $25 or whatever.And that's spread across 10 cases of beer. Umm... 2 bucks a case.Still want to be cheap?Being unemployed myself, I feel your pain.

Edited by Stout_fan, 05 March 2010 - 10:11 AM.

[Deerslyr]

Either would be fine. You are gonna kick yourself for not buying bulk sooner. You just dropped about a 1/3 of your cost! Plus if you keep even a small amount of a variety of special grains on hand... some hops in the freezer... some dry yeast in the fridge... you can brew on a moments notice!

[ncbeerbrewer]

Both will serve you fine. Your choice of recipe ( specialty malts), mash temp, & yeast will allow you to manipulate the final outcome more than either these malts. Your would see a bigger difference if you chose Maris Otter or Crisp instead of those 2.

+1 I have brewed with both of these GW products and I think they are both superb. I have 2 sacks of Pale currently and yes its a tad darker but it performs just as well as the 2 Row too. I say just pick one and give it a go. Buying in bulk like that is the way to go and I bet you will like it so much that you will get another sack sometime then you can choose whatever you didn't get the first time around. Both are quality consistent malts. Good Luck brewing!!

[CaptRon]

I got the Domestic 2-Row. I figure I'll get the other soon and compare.

[BarelyBrews]

I would say you do pay a lot more for British 2row(maris otter)than 2 row at NB.The maris otter is the 55# bag, but i can get it for $56.My two row is $38 a bag(50#). My LHBS sells 10# bags of almost all malts for $11. So i occasionally just grab a ten # bag. If you get a chance try the German(light munich)for base malt , one of my favs for an IPA style.

[MyaCullen]

You won't go wrong with either one, personally I'dd go for the Pale but that's simply my own taste talking.I am gonna have to grab a sack in a few weeks myself, I usually buy Gambrinus ESB malt, mmmmm good stuff.

[ChefLamont]

It's the time the little voice in the back of your head says you are taking this hobby a bit too far.Upon which your logical side tells it to shut the hell up.

That's so true.kind of like the first group pallet order. Our last group buy was over 4,000 pounds. ("I said, shut the hell up!!")

[Fatman]

I really like the GW 2-row, but I haven't tried the Pale. While they both appear to be great options, if I had to choose, I'd stick with the lighter two-row. It's easier to darken/add flavor than it is to lighten/remove it.