Best Pale Ale Malt – Crisp Maltings

Crisp Best Ale Malt: Traditional British Base Malt

This is one of those classic, dependable malts you’ll find in tons of traditional British beers.

Crisp Best Ale Malt is made from top-grade 2-row winter barley, grown right in East Anglia.

It’s well-modified, easy to work with, and gives great extract – everything you want from a base malt.

Compared to Maris Otter, it’s kilned a touch darker, which brings out a deeper malt flavour – think light biscuit, soft bread crust, and just a hint of sweetness.

It’s balanced, versatile, and plays really well in hop-forward styles like pale ales and IPAs, but also holds its own in richer beers like porters or barley wines.

If you're after a British-style malt that gives you depth without being overly heavy, this one’s a go-to.

Key Characteristics

• Colour (EBC): 4.5 – 7.5
• Tasting Notes: Rich, malty with balanced sweetness and biscuit undertones
• Usage Rate: Up to 100% of the grist
• Beer Styles: Pale Ale, IPA, Mild, Bitter, Porter, Stout, Barley Wine
• Common Substitutes: Maris Otter, Golden Promise

Best Beer Styles for Crisp Best Ale Malt

This malt shines in English-style ales – bitters, pale ales, and traditional IPAs.

But it’s also solid in American ales, and gives body and character to porters, stouts, and even big barley wines.

Substituting Crisp Best Ale Malt

Can’t get hold of this one? Maris Otter is a close match in terms of richness, while Golden Promise offers a slightly sweeter, softer profile.

Any 2-row pale malt will do the job technically, but each will bring its own twist, so it’s worth experimenting if you’re after a specific flavour.

Available in: 500g, 3kg, or 25kg bags – depending on current stock levels.