
Maris Otter Pale Malt - Crisp Maltings
Maris Otter Malt: A Staple in Brewing Excellence
Maris Otter malt, developed by Dr. G.D.H. Bell in the mid-20th century, stands out as an autumn-sown barley variety revered for its superior brewing qualities.
Esteemed in the brewing industry, it acts as a foundational base malt, laying the groundwork for the flavour profiles of numerous beer styles.
Renowned for its remarkable maltiness and flavour depth, Maris Otter aids in crafting full-bodied and robust beers, ensuring exceptional clarity.
This malt's contribution to the brewing process is pivotal, enabling brewers to achieve a blend of traditional taste and aromatic excellence in their creations.
Flavour Profile
- Robust, nutty, and biscuit-like malt character.
- Provides a solid malt backbone while allowing other flavours to shine.
- Subtle sweetness and complex malt notes.
Specification
- Colour EBC: 4.5-7.5
- Tasting Notes: Malty, Sweet, Biscuit
- Usage: Up to 100% of the grain bill
- Beer Styles: All Styles
When Substitutes Are Needed
If Maris Otter malt is not available, several suitable substitutes can be used in its place. Some popular options include:
- Golden Promise: Known for its similar malty flavour profile and excellent performance as a base malt.
- Clear Choice: Offers a clean and crisp character, suitable for various beer styles.
- Maris Otter Extra Pale: A lighter variation of Maris Otter, perfect for creating lighter-coloured beers with a delicate malt backbone.
- Pale Ale: Provides a good base for pale ales and other hop-forward beer styles, offering a balance of maltiness and hop character.
Beer Styles
Maris Otter malt boasts versatility, serving as an excellent foundation for brewing a wide array of beer styles, particularly those rooted in British tradition.
- English-Style Ales: Often hailed as the "Rolls Royce" of brewing malts, Maris Otter shines as the base malt in traditional English-style ales. Its use spans across English Bitters, Stouts, Porters, and ESBs (Extra Special Bitters), where it lends a rich, malty essence pivotal to the authenticity and depth of these classics.
- Pale Ales: Whether crafting American Pale Ales or Anglo-American hybrids, Maris Otter sets the stage with its biscuity, mildly sweet malt profile. This foundation expertly counterbalances hop bitterness, contributing to a well-rounded taste experience.
- SMaSH Beers: In the world of single-malt and single-hop (SMaSH) beers, Maris Otter stands out for its versatility. It allows brewers to showcase the malt's character fully, offering a clean canvas to highlight the unique qualities of the chosen hop.
- Barley wines: For the bold, complex flavours of barley wine-style ales, Maris Otter provides the necessary rich, malty backbone. Its profile supports the high gravity and depth of these potent brews.
In summary, Maris Otter is an excellent all-purpose base malt that is particularly well-suited for traditional English-style ales, pale ales, and other malt-forward beer styles.