Continuing our examination of malts and hops, here’s our profile of Special B malt. It is a Belgian malt that is roasted to 150°L color. Here are some of the particulars that we pulled together from different sources:
Flavor: Imparts a heavy caramel taste.
- Raisin-like flavors in Belgian Abbey Ales
- Plum-like flavors in Dubbels
- Roasty/Toast flavor
- Hint of nut flavor
Color: Produces a dark black-brown color.
Body: Fuller body is noted due to the non-fermentables.
Use: Suggested use is 2 to 10% of the grain bill. Makes sense to use in in Belgian ales such as a dubbel since it is a Belgian malt, but looks like it can be used in moderation in Brown Ales, Porters, and Doppelbocks as “character builders” in those beers.
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