4 replies to this topic

[Thirsty]

I am looking to make an old ale and age it on some oak spirals. Midwest has seceral english pale malts from Crisp marris otter to Thomas Fawcett pale malt. For the TF they have Halcyon, Pearl, and Optic. Anyone use these and know the difference? The descriptions say the optic offers some biscuit notes, the pearl some breadiness (differences?) and the halcyon is suited for real ales, and lends some biscuit as well. So which should I order?Also anyone use these oak spirals?

[drewseslu]

I've been pleased with all three.

[HVB]

I had a sack of Optic that I liked .. Not as much flavor as Marris Otter but much more exciting than standard 2 row. I know not much help but I really do not think you can go wrong with any of them.

[Yeasty Boy]

Optic and Halcyon are pretty popular over there, but I think the ones that can afford it would go with MO. You certainly won't be disappointed with it. Crisp is the one I usually buy. My favorite ale malt of all is Gleneagles floormalted MO, distributed by Simpsons. It is the MO-est of the MO's.

[zymot]

Can't decide? Blend several of the different types of grain. Adds complexity. I guess. I do not know.As for oak, I know it takes surprisingly little oak for a 5 gallon of beer. Has to do with the ratio of the oak surface area to the volume of beer. It works out that 1-2 ounces of oak cubes in 5 gallons is "alot" or more than a 30 gallon oak barrel.BYO Brew Wizard tackles the subject of oak.zymot