Base malts are the foundation of any brew and there are a good number of slightly different varieties that fit under a larger category such as English pale malts. We have covered a few of these varieties on the blog before. Names such as Optic, Maris Otter, and heck, even Golden Promise are ones I would associate with English pale malts. The one I am focusing on in this post is Halcyon malt.

Along with the others we have examined, Halcyon is malted from a single barley variety that shares the same name. Halcyon barley was bred using a cross of Maris Otter and Sargent barley varieties. After it is harvested, it is floor malted and has been produced by the Thomas Fawcett Maltsters as it has for 100 plus years. The malt as traditional as it gets when it comes to imparting a distinctive flavor to your English style ales.

For details, check out these details below:

Flavor: In terms of flavor, it produces a wort that has a strong hint of biscuit flavor in it. When compared to Maris Otter, it is less sweet than that malt variety and more toasty.

Color: 2.6° L

Body: Beers brewed with Halcyon have a bit more body than ones brewed with a pilsner malt.

Use: With a historical malt, you can make superb versions of British styles such as bitters, browns, porters, and stouts. Because many American styles are just English styles that are hopped with American hops, Halcyon might make an interesting difference in your next American pale ale than a typical 2-row malt would bring to the brew. If you are looking for an experiment or just a change of pace, pick up several pounds of this great malt variety. Brew an excellent beer and see what kind of difference this malt can make on your next creation.