spray malt and sugar

[heftyporker]

Hi all
I have asked for a couple of Brewferm packs for Christmas. The Abdij and Ambriorix.
They both require "Spray Malt" which is a new concept to me. I have only made 3 brews and they were simple ones.
These are both dark trapist ales. Do I want dark spray malt? Do the different spray malts have different/stronger flavours? My friends are a bit soft at times and wouldn't like any extra malty taste on top of what the beers would taste like anyway. Is there any way to take this into account?
Also, in terms of sugar, I have read about people using treacle or dark sugar to brew with, is this advisable or should I just go with normal white brewing sugar? I'm planning on using more sugar to ensure I reach the full 8%...tell me if I'm stupid! :nono:

Thanks in advance! :

HP

 

[tubby_shaw]

For your first attempt with any kit I would advise making it up as the instructions errr instruct :)
The darker spraymalts do have a roastier/maltier taste and I would advise using pale/light spraymalt to add to a kit :thumb:
As for using treacle or darker sugars in a kit, they do add a different flavour to the finished beer, it is a case of "suck it and see" to tell if you like the taste or not

 

[RobWalker]

Dark beers are still very high on the light malt content so don't worry about it lightening it up too much. Malt will add more body and flavour, sugar will dry it up and take flavour away, so half and half generally boosts the abv without affecting the flavour. Molasses and dark brown add a treacley flavour, but light brown is a good all rounder.

Whatever you do, boil the malt and sugar in water to make sure it's liquid and not clamped, as well as sanitary :-)

If you want any calculations done then let me know what you want to put in with what result and ill sort them out for you! Good luck and merry early christmas :-D

 

[daveozzz]

My friends are a bit soft at times and wouldn't like any extra malty taste on top of what the beers would taste like anyway. Is there any way to take this into account?

I just did the Abdijbier and didn't see any mention of spray malt in the instructions. It wanted sugar or candi sugar so if you were worried about using spray malt, just follow the instructions and leave it out.
If you haven't actually got the kits yet do a google search for "Brewferm Instructions" and you have have a sneak preview.

 

[shearclass]

I have asked for a couple of Brewferm packs for Christmas. The Abdij and Ambriorix.
They both require "Spray Malt" which is a new concept to me. I have only made 3 brews and they were simple ones.

I just did the Abdijbier and didn't see any mention of spray malt in the instructions. It wanted sugar or candi sugar so if you were worried about using spray malt, just follow the instructions and leave it out.

I agree with daveozz. Not doen this kit but I have it at home to do. I've done other brewferm kits and they all come with the same instructions.

I don't think any of the brewferm kits ask for spray malt. They ask for sugar, and household sugar is fine for this. Alternatively there is 'brewing sugar', but I'm led to believe this is no better than household sugar for brewing. Brewferm kits mention using candi sugar as an alternative. This would be more authentic for Belgian beers, but I wouldn't worry about it at this stage. IF you are interested in this, look in the 'how to' section for the 'how to make belgian candi sugar' by luckyeddie

 

[Dr. B]

Just bottled my Abdij kit, and I concur with the last two posters: the instructions just say sugar, but it does say candi sugar.
I just added cane sugar.

Been in the bottles only a week so far...

 

[heftyporker]

If you want any calculations done then let me know what you want to put in with what result and ill sort them out for you! Good luck and merry early christmas

I really appreciate that Rob! Thanks, I will probably be back in touch in January when I get it ready for next Christmas! (I hear these brews are best after a year!)


Thanks for all the advice everyone!
:drink:

 

[heftyporker]

Oh! I've just been looking up "candi sugar" and again, there is light crystal and dark crystal candi sugar!
Which one should I use for this beer do you think? Light or dark?

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