When it comes to brewing, the choice of base malt can have a significant impact on the final product, even in subtle ways. In this experiment, we decided to test two different base malts: Root Shoot Genie Pale Ale Malt and the more widely-used Rahr 2-Row.

The idea was simple—create a single malt and single hop beer, using Chinook hops, to see how much of a difference the base malt really makes. It wasn’t about finding a “better” malt, but rather exploring the nuances that each malt can bring to a brew. After all, we’ve done plenty of comparisons focusing on hops, so why not give malt the spotlight this time?

Brewing Process

For this comparison, we kept the process straightforward. We brewed two one-gallon batches, each using two pounds of malt. The only variable between the two batches was the base malt: one used the Root Shoot Genie Pale Ale Malt, and the other used Rahr 2-Row. The hops were kept consistent, with a 60-minute bittering charge from Yakima Chief Chinook hops, split evenly between the two batches. US-05 dry yeast was used to ferment both beers, and we used spring water to keep everything as controlled as possible.

The goal here wasn’t to determine if one malt was definitively superior, but to explore the subtle differences each could impart. Root Shoot’s Genie Pale Ale Malt is crafted in Colorado, and it’s a bit of a specialty malt, while Rahr 2-Row is a reliable workhorse used by brewers everywhere. By brewing these side by side, we could get a sense of what these malts bring to the table, especially when paired with the robust, pithy bitterness of Chinook hops.

Our Malt Comparison Thoughts

Tasting the two beers side by side revealed some interesting contrasts. The Root Shoot Genie Pale Ale Malt delivered a beer that was slightly darker and had a richer body, with a flavor that was more complex and slightly more dynamic than the Rahr 2-Row. There was a hint of honey-like sweetness on the nose, which added a touch of elegance to the overall profile. On the other hand, the Rahr 2-Row produced a beer that was lighter in both color and body, with a more straightforward, grainy taste. It was a solid, no-nonsense beer, but it lacked the subtle character that the Genie Pale Ale Malt brought to the table.

In conclusion, while both beers were enjoyable, the Root Shoot malt added a level of complexity that made the beer more intriguing. If you’re looking to add a bit more depth to your brew, especially in a single malt and single hop scenario, exploring a craft malt like Root Shoot’s Genie Pale Ale might be worth the extra investment. It’s a reminder that even small changes in ingredients can lead to meaningful differences in your final product.

Brew ON!