Grains play a crucial role in beer brewing as they are used to produce malt. Craft beer equipment requires a variety of raw materials, with malt being one of the most important ones. Malt contributes significantly to the beer-making process. It undergoes a specific procedure and is fermented by yeast to create beer.
Cereals
Barley
Barley is the most commonly used grain in brewing beer. More malt is produced from barley compared to any other grain. Barley is a resilient and drought-resistant grain. The germination process enhances its suitability for brewing and increases its enzyme content, making it easier to digest. Once germination is complete, the grains are dried in the sun and ground into flour. Although barley is the primary grain used in beer production, it is used in smaller quantities for malt production. Barley malt serves as a base for other ingredients, acts as a sweetener, and adds body to the beer.
Wheat
Wheat is another grain utilized for producing beer malt. Grains are cultivated in cereal crops and processed to remove the bran and germ, resulting in white wheat. Bran and germ contain a high starch content, which is used as a sweetener in malt production. Wheat is a cost-effective grain that also yields a small amount of alcohol. Beers made from wheat are generally low in bitterness and high in protein and fat. These fatty proteins have applications in cooking and soap production.
Impact on Beer Flavor
During the beer brewing process, special malts can impart distinctive flavors and unique mouthfeel to the wort and beer. For example, the addition of roasted malt significantly influences the beer’s flavor, particularly enhancing its smoothness and leaving a profound malt impression. By following a specific process, malt can enrich the wort with nutrients such as sugar and phosphate, which yeast can ferment to produce beer. Therefore, when brewing light or low-alcohol beer, roasted malt can be added to counterbalance taste monotony.
Effects on Foam
It is widely known that adding appropriate amounts of roasted malt and wheat malt can enhance the foam performance of beer. With the increasing popularity of crystallized malt in the market, people have begun experimenting with its usage to prolong the beer’s foam stability. Generally, it is recommended to limit the dosage to 10%, and the specific usage should be determined based on the wine variety, raw material indicators, and process implementation.
Impact on Brewing Environment and Overall Quality
Lactic acid malt is often used in craft beer production equipment. Lactic acid malt is a special type of malt that improves the quality of beer by enhancing the brewing environment. In fact, incorporating a certain amount of lactic acid malt in the mash provides a biological acidification process. It is a safer and more effective method to adjust the pH level of the mash, enhance enzyme activity, and improve the composition of polyphenols, resulting in a softer, more harmonious, and fuller beer taste.
