Weyermann Malt Guide - Beertannica

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Bottom Line Upfront

Weyermann Malts are amongst the best on the planet, and there is no questioning their heritage and pedigree. Having deep roots in a beer-obsessed country, Weyermann Malts has produced some of the finest malts in the industry for over two hundred years.

Weyermann features over 90 different malt varieties in its portfolio, catering to the entire brewing market, including organic consumers. Weyermann malts are affordable and easily accessible, the perfect malt for all home brewers. My favorite Weyermann Malt is CaraBohemian. Potent, Carabohemian is a malt variety that should not make up more than 15% of the grain bill. Weyermann CaraBohemian Malt imparts delightful notes of creamy caramel, rich toffee, and baked bread.

Pros and Cons of Weyermann Malts

Pros

World-Class Brewing Malts
Comprehensive Range of Brewing Malts and Malt Extracts
Extensive Range of Organic Malts
Committed to Green Energy and a Sustainable Future
Family Owned and Operated for Over Two Centuries
Reasonably Priced
Remarkable Excellence and Visitor Centers
Pilot Distillery, Bakery, and Brewery
Informative Guided Tours
Accessible
Affordable

Cons

Bioland Organic Malt is Expensive

Overview: Featured Weyermann Malts

CaraBohemian
Chocolate Wheat
Beech Smoked Barley Malt
CaraRye
Munich Amber
Vienna Malt
Munich Malt Type 1
Isaria 1924
Abbey Malt
Spelt Malt

About the Company

The Weyermann Family was traditionally involved in the maritime industry and first started trading and transporting grains in 1817. This practice continued for more than 60 years until Johan Baptist Weyermann purchased a PVC tarpaulin and a small roasting drum in 1879. Utilizing the vacant property of his in-laws, he founded the Mich Weyermann Malzkaffee Fabrik, and the roasting began.

From humble beginnings, the Weyermann malting plant has evolved into one of the most significant malting operations on the planet. Two centuries, four generations, and numerous awards and accolades later, the company is still family-owned and operated. Weyermann employs over 260 passionate staff, producing over a million tonnes of quality malts annually.

The Weyermann Malting Company is committed to a sustainable future and is seriously committed to reducing its carbon footprint. The entire malthouse now runs off green energy, and the company supports numerous sustainable and green energy initiatives.

Additional Weyermann Products and Services

Many are under the impression that Weyermann only produces and supplies the global brewing market with exceptional brewing malts, but there is so much more to this organization:

Hops: Weyermann now stocks and offers a select range of premium hop varieties. These unique varieties include organic hop varieties from Bioplupulos in Spain, and quality American aroma varieties, such as HS-Sequoia, Chinook, and Idaho 7.
Yeast: A broad range of dry yeast products completes the company product portfolio, which is ideal for all types of brewing and distilling.
Food: Weyermann offers a comprehensive range of Rye, Barley, Wheat, Spelt, and Malt Extracts for the food industry. The quality specialty malts are available in whole grain or ground flour options, and the malt extracts are available in a liquid form.
Excellence Center: The ‘Weyermann Excellence Center’ features a Pilot Brewery, Craft Bakery, Pilot Malting Center, and Pilot Distillery. These world-class facilities allow customers to experiment with various brewing, distilling, and baking techniques while experimenting with all the exceptional products the company produces and supplies.
Visitors Center: The Weyermann Visitors Center is an excellent facility that is 100% visitor-oriented, offering informative seminars, events, and guided tours of the entire malting, distilling, and baking operations.

The Weyermann Malt Aroma Wheel

Weyermann has introduced a fantastic tool to assist home brewers in creating specific or new beer styles. The craft beer revolution has resulted in an increased number of brewers turning to specialty malts to enhance aromas and tastes in their brew.

The Weyermann Malt Aroma Wheel was designed through experimental and methodical sensory dissection to assist all home brewers in deciding which types of specialty malts suit the sensory characteristics of the desired end product.

The Weyermann Aroma Wheel Tool was derived to cover six various sensory categories.

Taste: Bitter, Sweet, and Sour
Malty Sweet Caramel Aromas: Dark Caramel, Light Caramel, and Toffee
Malty Aromas: Marmelade, Biscuit, and Honey
Nutty/Fruity Aromas: Vanilla, Raisin, Almond, and Hazelnut
Smoky Aromas: Clove, Oak, and Beech
Roasted Aromas: Bready, Dried-Fruit, Almond, Dark Chocolate, Cacao, and Coffee

The Malting Process

Malting is a magical process whereby barley, wheat, and Rye grains, are expertly prepared for fermentation.

In their natural form, the grains cannot be converted into alcohol and must be malted first.

Malting consists of three stages:

Steeping: Steeping is a process whereby the grains are submerged in water and subsequently air-dried to awaken the dormant grain and kick-start the germination process.
Germinating: The exposure to water and air activates natural enzymes and encourages the grain to Germinate. The germination process takes between four and six days.
Kilning: Kilning is the final and crucial stage of the malting process. The grains are exposed to heat to halt the germination process and remove moisture contained within the grain.

Featured Weyermann Malts

Weyermann CaraBohemian

CaraBohmeian is an excellent crystal malt variety, made from premium Bohemian barley and exposed to an intense caramelization process. Intensified caramelization results in a robust malt, with an increase in dark caramel notes and malt color. Carabohemian Malt exhibits 170-220 EBC or 64.5-83.4 Lovibond.

Weyermann Carabohemian must be used carefully and should not make up more than 15% of the grist (grain bill). Carabohemian Malt delivers notes of creamy toffee, baked bread, and dark caramel.

Carabohemian is an ideal malt for making popular beer styles such as American Strong Ale, Barleywine, Stout, English-Style Porter, Dark Lager, Strong Lager, Brown IPA, Czech Amber Lager, and Bohemian Pilsner.

Weyermann Chocolate Wheat

Chocolate Wheat Malt is a delightful variety made from all-natural premium-quality German wheat.

The malt is a dark reddish-brown color and offers exceptional coloring properties. Weyermann Chocolate Wheat Malt undergoes extensive roasting and exhibits 900-1200 EBC or 339.8-452.9 Lovibond.

Weyermann Chocolate Wheat Malt is powerful and must be used to brew with a light hand. This variety should not make up more than 5% of the grist. Chocolate Wheat delivers bold notes of bitter-sweet dark chocolate, baked bread, and roasted coffee beans.

Weyermann Chocolate Wheat Malt typically features Dunkelweizen, Weizenbock, Black IPA, German Altbier, Belgian Strong Ale, Irish Extra Stout, Foreign Extra Stout, Imperial Stout, and Porter-style beers.

Weyermann Beech Smoked Barley Malt

Beech Smoked Barley Malt is another classic malt by Weyermann. Beech Smoked Barley Malt is from the finest German barley in Bamberg.

This malt variety is lightly roasted and prized for its smoky aromas derived from beech wood. Beech Smoked Barley Malt exhibits 4.0-8.0 EBC or 2.0-3.5 Lovibond.

Weyermann Beech Smoked Barley Malt is versatile, forgiving, and can make up 100% of the grain bill. Beech Smoked Barley Malt imparts a delightful smoky aroma, with natural flavors of malts, raw honey, and sweet vanilla. You only require Beech Smoked Barley Malt to make up 5% of the grain bill to extract the delicate flavors and aromas. Using more will elevate the smoky aroma but will not enhance the sweet tastes of vanilla and raw honey.

Weyermann Beech Smoked Barley Malt features numerous popular beer styles such as Sathi, Gotlandsdricka, Smoked Porter, Old Ale, Bamberg Wiesse Rauchbier, Wheat Bock, Dark Wheat, Amber lagers, and Bock.

Weyermann CaraRye

Weyermann CaraRye is an excellent example of an authentic Rye Malt made from premium all-natural German rye. CaraRye undergoes a unique caramelization process, which results in complex and bold flavors and aromas. Weyermann CaraRye is kilned to 150-200 EBC or 57-75.9 Lovibond.

Weyermann CaraRye is potent and should not make up more than 15% of the grain bill. It is a specialty malt imparting intense tastes and aromas of dark chocolate, dried fruits, roasted coffee beans, and baked bread.

Weyermann CaraRye is a specialty malt and ideal for sweet malt-oriented beers such as Kwass, Multi-Grain Beer, Russian Imperial Stout, German Rye Beer, Sathi, Roggenbier, and numerous varieties of delicious India Pale Ales.

Weyermann Munich Amber

Weyermann Munich Amber is a sensational malt extract crafted from 100% authentic Weyermann Munich Malt. Munich Amber is a 75% extract, un-hopped, and exhibits a gorgeous golden brown color with rich malty aromas. The color of the wort (13%) is 25.0-50.0 EBC or 9.9-19.3 Lovibond.

Weyermann Munich Amber Malt Extract commonly features in popular beer styles such as American IPA, Brown IPA, Altbier, Belgian Pale Ale, Dark Double Bock, Dark Lager, Brown Beer, India Pale Ale, International Amber Lager, and Czech Amber Lager.

Weyermann Vienna Malt

Made from the finest German barley, Weyermann Vienna Malt is an ideal malt for promoting full-body and for brewing enticing golden-colored beer. Vienna Malt exhibits 6.0-9.0 EBC or 2.7-3.8 Lovibond.

Weyermann Vienna is a quality base malt that can make up 100% of the grain bill. It is a fantastic all-around malt variety, imparting delightful notes of sweet malt, natural honey, and earthy nuts.

Weyermann Vienna Malt is a popular malt variety commonly featured in beer styles such as American Barleywine, Imperial Red Ale, Baltic Porters, Oyster Stout, Altbier, Belgian Pale Ale, Wheat Bock, Dark Wheat, Vienna Lager, and International Lager.

Weyermann Munich Malt Type 1

Weyermann Munich Malt Type 1 is an ideal malt for brewing darker beer and bold malt-oriented beer styles. Munich Malt Type 1 offers excellent coloring qualities from being gently kilned to 12.0-18.0 EBC or 5.0-7.2 Lovibond.

Weyermann Munich Malt Type 1 is an excellent base malt for beginner and novice home brewers and can make up 100% of the grist. Munich Malt Type 1 delivers robust tastes and aromas of rich malt, creamy caramel, baked bread, and natural honey.

Weyermann Munich Malt Type 1 is a marvelous brew malt featured in light and dark beer styles such as Imperial Red Ale, Brown IPA, American IPA, Belgian Pale Ale, Altbier, German Rye Beer, Wheat Bock, Imperial Pilsner, International Amber Lager, and Czech Amber Lager.

Weyermann Isaria 1924

Weyermann Isaria 1924 is a specialty heirloom malt variety crafted from the oldest known German barley variety called Isaria. Weyermann Isaria was officially approved for beer production in 1924 and has evolved into a much-loved malt variety amongst traditional beer lovers. Isaria 1924 Malt is kilned to 7.0-9.0 EBC.

Weyermann Isaria 1924 significantly contributes to a silky smooth mouthfeel and a glorious golden hue while delivering delightful tastes and aromas of rich malt and wholesome biscuit. It is a forgiving heirloom malt that can make up 100% of the grain bill.

Weyermann Isaria 1924 Malt is commonly featured in un-filtered and full-flavored authentic German beer styles such as Pale Bock, Dark Bock, Munich Dunkel, Festbier, Marzen, Kellerbier, Zoigl, and Franconian Landbier.

Weyermann Abbey Malt

Weyermann Abbey Malt is an authentic Belgian-style brewing malt made from premium quality European Barley. Abbey Malt contributes towards a golden-copper hue and greatly enhances and stabilizes flavors in beer. A unique and secretive production process resulting in a crisp malt while delivering exceptional and complex tastes and aromas. Abbey Malt is lightly-kilned to 40.0-50.0 EBC or 15.5-19.3 Lovibond.

Weyermann Abbey Malt is medium roasted and can make up 50% of the grain bill, offering authentic notes of rich malt, biscuit, and natural honey, with soft undertones of nuts and chocolate.

Weyermann Abbey Malt commonly features traditional Belgian Beer Styles such as Oud Bruin, Flanders Red Ale, Strong Golden Strong Ale, Belgian Trippel, Belgian Dark Strong Ale, Belgian Dubbel, Belgian Pale Ale, Belgian Blonde Ale, Trappist, and Belgian India Pale Ale.

Weyermann Spelt Malt

Weyermann Spelt Malt is the solitary Spelt Malt in the portfolio. Spelt (also known as Dinkel) is unique heirloom wheat featured in a handful of authentic top-fermented beers. Weyermann Spelt Malt is produced from the finest quality German Spelt and lightly kilned to 3.0-7.0 EBC or 1.6-3.1 Lovibond.

Weyermann Spelt Malt is highly-sought after for adding delicate tastes, aromas, and a soft velvety mouthfeel. Spelt Malt delivers wholesome flavors and aromas of sweet malt, earthy nuts, and spice. Weyermann Spelt Malt can make up 60% of the grain bill and pairs well with barley-style base and specialty malts.

Weyermann Spelt is a unique and cherished malt variety and commonly features authentic top-fermenting beers such as Multi-Grain Beer, Traditional Spelt Beer, Top-Fermented Beer, and Special Beer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: Where did brewing malt originate?

Answer: The exact origins of malting are shrouded in mystery, but there is evidence of malting techniques and practices dating back to ancient Egyptians. The Egyptians placed barley into specially designed wicker baskets and lowered the barley into open water wells to allow for steeping. Once steeped, the barley was raised above the water level to germinate naturally.

Question: Who is the largest malt producer in the world?

Answer: Boortmalt of Belgium is currently the world’s largest producer of malt. Boortmalt has its headquarters in Antwerp, Belgium, and is present on five continents with no less than 27 malting plants. Boortmalt produces more than 3 million tonnes annually, supplying the global brewing market.

Question: What is the most popular malt amongst home brewers?

Answer: The craft beer and home-brewing revolution have resulted in a significant increase in amateur and professional home brewers. Simultaneously Maris Otter Malt is gaining popularity rapidly and is now considered the most popular malt amongst home brewers.

Question: What is the best malt for Belgian-style beer?

Answer: Pilsner Malt is the commonly used malt for producing Belgian-style beer. It is so popular that it has evolved into the default malt for making Belgian-style beers, particularly Belgian Lagers and Belgian Blondes.

Question: Do Weyermann Malts have a shelf-life?

Answer: Yes, Weyermann Malts have a shelf-life and can go stale and lose brewing (and baking) capabilities. Every Weyermann malt bag displays a best-before date that should be adhered to strictly. Brewing with sub-standard malt will result in a sub-standard batch of beer, so check the best-before dates periodically.

Final Thoughts: Weyermann Malt Guide

Located in Bamberg, Germany, Weyermann Malts are one of the world’s largest malt producers, and no questioning their passion, heritage, and pedigree. Having deep roots in a beer-loving country, Weyermann Malts has produced some of the finest malts in the industry for over two hundred years.

Weyermann features over 90 different malt varieties in its portfolio, catering to the entire brewing market, including organic consumers. Their malts are affordable and accessible, the perfect malt for all home brewers.

My favorite Weyermann Malt is CaraBohemian, a formidable malt variety that should not make up more than 15% of the grain bill. Weyermann CaraBohemian Malt imparts delightful notes of creamy caramel, rich toffee, and baked bread, tastes and aromas that I love in my beer.