Crisp – Finest Maris Otter Ale Base Malt
For over 50 years, Maris Otter® has been the preferred choice for brewers seeking a superior malt backbone. As the largest buyer of this heritage grain, Crisp Malt works closely with Norfolk farmers to maintain the variety’s genetic purity. The malt is celebrated for its exceptional brewhouse performance, offering high extract, easy lautering, and a distinctive “biscuit” profile that modern varieties often fail to replicate. Its unique combination of winter barley characteristics provides a robust body and complex depth, making it the essential ingredient for award-winning traditional cask ales and premium craft beers.
Key Benefits
- Heritage Quality: Renowned for superior flavour complexity compared to modern high-yield varieties.
- Exceptional Mouthfeel: Contributes a smooth, full-bodied character to the finished beer.
- Brewhouse Reliability: High modification levels ensure easy mashing and excellent wort run-off.
- Brand Prestige: A highly recognised variety that adds premium marketing value to beer labels.
Applications
- Brewing: The ultimate base malt for Premium Bitters, English IPAs, Stouts, and heritage ale styles.
- Distilling: Increasingly sought after for premium Single Malt whiskies due to its unique flavour precursors.
- Cider Making: Used in premium “Graff” production to add a distinct bready complexity to apple bases.
Typical Usage
- Rate: 80% to 100% of the grist. It is frequently used as a 100% base to allow the variety’s character to shine.
Technical Data
- Moisture: 3.5% max
- Extract (Dry Basis): 81.0% min
- Colour: 5.5 – 7.2 EBC
- Total Nitrogen: 1.35% – 1.60%
- Free Amino Nitrogen (FAN): 140mg/l min
Storage and Handling
Store in a cool, dry place (ideally below 20°C) and away from strong odours. Ensure the storage area is pest-free. Keep bags sealed when not in use to prevent moisture absorption. Best used within 12 months.
Summary
A world-famous heritage malt offering an unrivalled biscuity flavour and robust body, perfect for crafting premium, traditional British ales.
The best malt on earth; thanks for going the extra mile to source it for me