More body

[taylorj29]

The few AG brews I've done I have only used a base malt with a little bit of Chocolate to get a better colour. Dispite them tasting okay they are a little thin. Would the addition of a cara or crystal help build the body without increasing the alcohol content too much?

 

[mmaguy41]

Im told higher mash temps will add more body without boosting the abv, but i may be wrong

 

[pittsy]

there are many grain to improve body , carahell , cara amber , carapils , are but a few , but mashing as said will make a difference , mash low 62c produces more fermentables (thinner) and upto 72c less fermentables (more body) so maybe mash at around 68c, or you could do 64c for 40 mins then raise to 72c for 20 mins , there are many choices how to mash

 

[TheMumbler]

Basically, yes crystal will help with body and will give some residual sweetness. You could also use some munich or vienna malt to give more maltiness without increasing residual sweetness so much. You could also add some flaked barley (or wheat or oats) which I believe should help give a bit more mouthfeel which can help with the impression of body. You can always reduce the base malt a bit if you don't want to increase the abv. As a rule of thumb so long as 50-60% of your grain bill is well modified base malt you should be OK for conversion. Other than that mashing high (as suggested) and selecting a yeast that finishes fairly high should help

if in doubt put something up in the recipes section and I'm sure you'll get advice and feedback.

 

[RobWalker]

Lots of crystal type malts will be useful for body - as will a little wheat (I use 10%) and mashing high which leaves more dextrines, which translate to mouthfeel and body :thumb:

 

[taylorj29]

Thanks guys. :

I shall build your suggestions into the next batch. :party: