Special B (Castle)

Used this in an all Chinook IPA and the results were phenomenal. Great caramel taste with a hint of raisin. Will brew again with other single hops to see if i can pick the best combo.

I used 2 lbs of Special B in an 11 gallon all-grain batch of porter. As soon as I opened the bag, I knew this grain was good stuff. The porter turned out to be not only the best I've made, but the best I've had period. I'll be ordering again. It went well with chinook hops for bittering and cascade finishing.

I like to use this in conjunction with other caramel malts to add a bit of complexity but it is easy to go overboard with this one. When added in the right amount gives off a nice burnt caramel flavor with hints of raisins. The info given says appropriate for Belgians, especially Dubbles, but I don't really make those so I've used this in varying amounts from everything from English bitters to Imperial Stouts to American Red Ales. Start light for your first time using it.

Use more of this and less darker grain for less bitterness and more mouth feel. You can mash cooler to make a more fermentatble wort.

I add 6oz of this to the Midwest Noble Trappist Ale kit. It darkens it up a bit, and really enhances the flavor. I also use it in stouts to add more raisiny taste. I love crushing this malt myself since the smell is just heaven!

This was a good quality product. It added a nice plum characteristic to my trappist ale.

I have a stereotype that says that all stouts basically taste like burnt coffee or chocolate. I personally do not like this taste that much. Not to say they are not good products, just not my cup of tea. But anyways. With Special B you can get a substantially darker beer without your traditional burnt coffee flavor that Black Patent, or chocolate malts provide. This beer adds a nice plum flavor and I have even had people swear that it has added a slight milk chocolate taste to my beers.

This along with a little C-120 give you some great red color in beers. If you want that dark fruit character this is a great way to get it in a Belgian ale.

Probably my favorite darker malt. Not personally a fan of chocolate malt and things along that line. To me they have too dominant a flavor profile even if you're adding a small amount to the batch. That is not true with this grain. Very mild and balanced plumish taste. Very good grain.

Added a great raisin flavor to my oatmeal cookie brown ale. Will be using again!