Once you’ve got your brewing water sorted and know how to look after your yeast, you can use almost any malt and hops to make good beer! While this is largely true, it’s the cereal component—often barley malt—that provides the critical structure for your beer. This structure builds on the foundation of correctly managed brewing water, giving your beer the body, flavour, and color that make it shine.
Historically, most beers were “malt-driven,” defined by their rich style and character. While we’re still riding the wave of hop-driven beers (though perhaps nearing its peak?), brewers are increasingly experimenting with yeast, bacteria, and fermentation techniques. Amid these trends, it’s worth pausing to rediscover the wonders of well-made malt.
In this blog, I’ll spotlight a few specialty malts from our partners—Simpsons, Weyermann, and Castle Malting—that can take your brewing to the next level.
Spotlight on Specialty Malts
Simpson’s DRC
For ales and dark beers, Simpson’s DRC is my go-to malt. Think of it like Munich malt for lagers—it packs incredible flavour per kilogram, enhancing roast malt character without introducing the astringency that often accompanies the roasting process. Increasingly, it’s also being used in non-alcoholic beers, where its smoothness compensates for the absence of alcohol to balance astringency.
Weyermann Beech Smoked Malt
This is a standout for traditional Rauchbiers, where it’s often used at up to 100% of the grist. However, its versatility really shines at lower percentages (under 10%), where it adds complexity to a range of styles. Expect notes of wood smoke, caramel, clove, and malt sweetness—perfect for reinventing porters or wheat beers. While not the cheapest malt, its impact at low doses makes it a worthwhile addition.
Chateau Special B
For Belgian-style beers or darker ales, look no further than Chateau Special B. With plum, raisin, and caramel notes, it’s ideal for adding depth at 10–20% in darker ales or even 1–2% in a classic ESB. If you’re aiming for that quintessential Belgian character, a Belgian malt is a must.
Supporting Brewers with Quality and Convenience
At Murphy’s, we stock the full range of Simpson’s crushed malt, perfect for topping up your malt stocks or covering last-minute specialty needs. For Weyermann and Castle malts, we can typically fulfill orders within two weeks. Adding a few extra bags to your order can even push you into free carriage territory with orders over £400.
Recipe development is where my passion for brewing began, so if you’d like to explore how specialty malts can enhance your beers, reach out to me or any of our Murphy brewers. We’re always happy to help you brew your best!
