Grains are essential in the process of brewing beer. They are used to produce malt, a key ingredient in beer brewing. When it comes to craft beer equipment, a variety of raw materials are required, with malt being one of the most important. Malt plays a crucial role in the beer-making process, as it can be fermented by yeast to create beer. In this article, the engineers at ACE Craft will provide a detailed introduction to the impact of malt used in beer equipment on the final beer product.
Cereals
Barley is the most commonly used grain for producing malt. It yields more malt compared to any other grain and is known for its resilience and ability to withstand drought. The sprouting process makes barley more suitable for brewing and increases its enzyme content, making it easier to digest. After germination, the grains are dried in the sun and ground into flour. Although barley is the primary grain used in beer production, only small amounts of malt are produced from it. Barley malt serves as the base ingredient, provides sweetness, and adds body to the beer.
Wheat is another grain used in the production of beer malt. The grains are grown in cereal crops and processed to remove the bran and germ, resulting in white wheat. The bran and germ contain high levels of starch and are used as sweeteners in malt production. Wheat is the least expensive grain and produces small amounts of alcohol. Beers made with wheat have low bitterness and high protein and fat content. These fatty proteins are used in cooking and soap production.
Effect on Beer Taste
During the brewing process, different types of malt can impart unique flavors and mouthfeel to the wort and beer. For example, the addition of burnt malt significantly influences the flavor of beer, enhancing its smoothness and leaving a distinct malt flavor. Through a specific process, burnt malt can be used to create a nutrient-rich wort containing sugar and phosphate, which can then be fermented by yeast to produce beer. Therefore, when producing light or low-alcohol beer, burnt malt can be added to enhance the taste and flavor.
Effects on Bubbles
It is well-known that the addition of charred malt and wheat malt in appropriate amounts can improve the foam stability of beer. With the increasing popularity of crystallized malt in the market, people have started experimenting with adding a suitable amount of crystallized malt to enhance the beer’s foam retention. Generally, it is recommended to keep the dosage below 10%, and the specific usage should be determined based on the wine variety, raw material indicators, and brewing process implementation.
Impact on Brewing Environment and Overall Quality
Lactic acid malt is often used in the production of craft beer equipment. It is a special type of malt that improves the quality of beer by enhancing the brewing environment. Adding a certain amount of lactic acid malt to the mash introduces biological acidification, which effectively adjusts the pH value, enhances enzyme activity, and improves the composition of polyphenols. This results in a softer, more harmonious, and fuller taste to the beer.
The above information provides an overview of the influence of malt used in craft beer equipment on the final beer product. When using malt, it is crucial to ensure its quality, as using unsuitable products can negatively affect the flavor and taste of the beer.
Get a Turnkey Brewery
If you are planning to open a brewery, ACE Craft can help you solve your problems. We provide professional technical support and brewing equipment solutions, offering complete beer brewing systems ranging from 50L to 5000L. We look forward to working with you! To get a turnkey solution for your brewery equipment, contact us directly. Our engineers will design and manufacture custom brewery equipment based on your brewing process. Whether you are starting a new brewery or expanding an existing one, we can provide you with tailored solutions.
