I was looking through my Northern Brewer catalog and was studying up on base malts. I saw this kind offered by the Fawcett Maltsters named Optic.
It is made from a single barley variety grown in the UK. It seems to be a newer variety than Maris Otter, and it is a spring variety. Fawcett follows the traditional floor malting procedure when making Optic malt.
A few forums noted that the kernel size may be a little smaller than other base malts. As with any new base malt you’re trying out, you may need to adjust your mill to get the crush you need for your usual mashing experience.
Flavor: Very aromatic. Adds a good amount of biscuit flavor to your beer.
Color: 2.3- 3.0°L
Body: N/A
Use: Base malt for English pale ales – IPAs.
Moonshine@stillcooker.com
Optic is the variety which is THE barley used in the distilleries of Scotland!