Caramalt (Crisp Maltings)

Caramalt - Crisp Maltings

Caramalt from Crisp Maltings is a light caramel malt made from high-quality two-row spring barley.

Kilned to achieve a gentle caramelisation, it develops a warm golden hue and mild sweetness that complements both hop-forward and traditional malt-focused styles.

Its balanced flavour profile brings soft caramel, honey, and a touch of biscuit while helping improve mouthfeel and foam stability.

This makes it an easy go-to for adding subtle depth and colour without tipping a beer into heavy sweetness.

Excellent for bright ales, golden lagers, or modern IPAs that still need a touch of malt backbone.

Malt Profile

• Colour (EBC): 25–35
• Flavour: Light caramel, honey, soft biscuit
• Usage Rate: Up to 20% of the grist

Flavour & Brewing Impact

Caramalt adds subtle sweetness and a smooth caramel layer that helps balance hop bitterness or round out a lean base.

Its colour contribution brings a warm golden tone that brightens pale beers while supporting a stable head.

Beer Styles

Works well across a broad range of lighter styles that still benefit from a hint of caramel and body.

• Best Bitter: Gives golden colour and a soft malt cushion beneath hop bitterness.
• Pale Ale: Lifts body and adds a gentle caramel note without overshadowing hops.
• Golden Ale: Contributes honey-like sweetness and supports foam.
• Lager: Adds subtle depth and colour without compromising crispness.
• Session IPA: Keeps low-ABV beers from tasting thin while staying bright.

Malt Substitutes

Caramalt can be swapped with other light caramel or crystal malts when aiming for similar sweetness and colour.

• Crisp Cara Gold: Slightly lighter in EBC with a similar honey-caramel flavour profile.
• Crisp Crystal Light: Darker in colour, with a bit more biscuit edge alongside caramel.
• Weyermann Caramunich Type 1: Slightly darker and richer — use at lower rates for similar impact.

Brewer’s Tip

Use Caramalt around 10% to add just enough caramel sweetness and body to hop-driven styles, preventing them from finishing too sharp.

It’s also an easy way to give pale beers a more inviting golden colour.