Malt extract for pale lager

[S-04]

I've had good success using NG's light LME to make a few partial mash ales, but now I want to make a pale lager - maybe something like Grolsch or Stella. I think the light LME would come out too dark, but would the flavour be about the same? Is there a pilsen extract available that people use? I've also thought about just using the Mangrove Jack pilsner kit and doing a late hop addition.

I appreciate any suggestions!

James

[sleepyjamie]

Maybe give noble grape a call and ask what Lovibond their LME is rated for. I'm sure if you don't add any dark speciality grains you might be ok.

[S-04]

Thanks Jamie, I'll call them and ask. But even if it was a bit dark that would be OK. My main concern is if whether pilsner malt is necessary to get that pale lager taste.

[TJ Brew]

Thanks Jamie, I'll call them and ask. But even if it was a bit dark that would be OK. My main concern is if whether pilsner malt is necessary to get that pale lager taste.

The colour can be darker and still achieve the correct flavour. For instance, no one really does decoction mashes anymore, but the flavours can still be achieved (mostly thanks to improvements in malting techniques) with a much lighter coloured beer.

As long as you are in the correct OG/FG, IBU's and use a lager yeast, you should end up with something "Pale Lager" like.

[S-04]

Thanks Trevor

[sleepyjamie]

if you want a more maltier lager and arent doing decoction maybe do a partial mash with some melanoiden.

[S-04]

if you want a more maltier lager and arent doing decoction maybe do a partial mash with some melanoiden.

Interesting... is that available locally? I was going to use crystal and munich.

[sleepyjamie]

if you want a more maltier lager and arent doing decoction maybe do a partial mash with some melanoiden.

Interesting... is that available locally? I was going to use crystal and munich.

In RubberToes dartmouth pilsner we made a few weeks ago, we used Melanoiden and Aromatic. You'd have to check out the details of the european lager you are making on which speciality malts you want to add. I dont think crystal is found in pilsner-like lagers. but im no expert.

and yes i think melanoiden is available at NG.

[berley]

You definitely CAN buy Pilsen LME, but I'm not sure that NG carries it (I assume their LME is Pale LME). I've never used it before, but from what I've read it IS a bit grainier and sweeter than Pale LME; not sure how detectable it would be, though.

[S-04]

Thanks Jamie, I really appreciate the info.
The idea of using crystal as a specialty malt came from one recipe I looked at for a Grolsch clone, but you're right - I don't see it in any other pilsner recipes.
I do see a few that call for melanoiden

Berley - I'm going to take a chance with the regular pale LME. Close enough is fine with me.
Thanks!

[berley]

I'm sure the regular pale LME will be fine; plus, it could be pretty difficult just to find some Pilsen LME, anyway!

[S-04]

Yeah, I looked at NG, and they didn't have any. Plus, I like the price of the pale LME.

[GAM]

Corn sugar as an adjunct to provide fermentation and no colour could work.

Sandy

[S-04]

Sandy: I'm sure that would work perfectly... but what about the Reinheitsgebot?!? The beer police might come and get me...

[GAM]

As a wise old brewer once said, The only thing I want you to tell me about that beer is if you want another one.

Sandy