Maltsperiment results -- an update
Posted: Fri Dec 16, 2016 5:59 am
I've brewed about four different batches of the Maltsperiment so far. I'm keeping one bomber of each in reserve so that I can have comparative tastings in the future; sort of like flights. But here are my feelings on what I've tasted so far:
I haven't really noticed much difference, to be honest. And I'm perfectly willing to say it's the fault of my palate. Everyone's tasting ability is different, and maybe mine isn't as developed or sophisticated or sensitive, or however you'd like to put it. If so, that's just the way it is.
Not much difference, to me, between the 2-row and the Maris Otter. Or the Munich, for that matter. The Vienna seems a slight bit sweeter, lighter and has a more grainy aspect to it. But that's the only real difference I've noticed so far. I still have to brew the Pilsner, and I'm suspecting that may be very different, but we'll see. After that, I'll be brewing with Victory, and then I guess I'll put this particular experiment to rest.
I'm a little disappointed, frankly. I was hoping to have an eye-opening experience with this, especially since last year's Hopsperiment was quite a learning experience for me. But the differences in base grains may be too subtle, and, as I said, it may also be me. I'll continue to match base grains to style; for instance, when I brew my Ottertoberfest, I'll use Munich, and when I make my Trilby Brown Ale, I'll use Maris Otter, because of the regional origins of the styles. And maybe, in conjunction with the specialty grains and hops, the choice of the base may be more apparent.
I haven't really noticed much difference, to be honest. And I'm perfectly willing to say it's the fault of my palate. Everyone's tasting ability is different, and maybe mine isn't as developed or sophisticated or sensitive, or however you'd like to put it. If so, that's just the way it is.
Not much difference, to me, between the 2-row and the Maris Otter. Or the Munich, for that matter. The Vienna seems a slight bit sweeter, lighter and has a more grainy aspect to it. But that's the only real difference I've noticed so far. I still have to brew the Pilsner, and I'm suspecting that may be very different, but we'll see. After that, I'll be brewing with Victory, and then I guess I'll put this particular experiment to rest.
I'm a little disappointed, frankly. I was hoping to have an eye-opening experience with this, especially since last year's Hopsperiment was quite a learning experience for me. But the differences in base grains may be too subtle, and, as I said, it may also be me. I'll continue to match base grains to style; for instance, when I brew my Ottertoberfest, I'll use Munich, and when I make my Trilby Brown Ale, I'll use Maris Otter, because of the regional origins of the styles. And maybe, in conjunction with the specialty grains and hops, the choice of the base may be more apparent.