Dark Crystal Malt - Crisp Malting Group
The Crisp Dark Crystal 400 Malt is a high-caramelisation malt that imparts a deep, rich flavour profile. This malt contributes robust notes of dried fruits, including sultanas, raisins, and plums, paired with a bittersweet treacle edge. Used sparingly in brews, it enhances both body and colour, bringing a distinctive warmth and complexity to darker beer styles such as porters, stouts, and ruby ales.
- Wort Colour: 418-478 EBC
- Usage: Up to 10% of the grain bill
- Beer styles: Stouts, porters, ruby ales, strong ales
Description
How to Use:
Typically included at 5-10% of the grain bill, Dark Crystal 400 enhances beer body, mouthfeel, and adds a dark reddish hue. It is an excellent choice for enhancing the depth in darker beer styles and complements base malts by layering complex caramel and fruity notes without additional sweetness.
Flavour Profile:
Known for robust caramelisation, Dark Crystal 400 imparts notes of treacle, dried fruits like raisins and plums, and a gentle roasted bitterness. Its rich, bittersweet flavour lends a full-bodied taste with a unique warmth to finished brews.
Enzymatic Activity:
As a high-caramelisation malt, Dark Crystal 400 contains non-fermentable sugars and provides little to no enzymatic activity. Its role is mainly flavour, body, and colour enhancement rather than fermentable extract contribution.
Mashing:
Suitable for single-infusion mashing, Dark Crystal 400 adds colour and flavour in early stages. Its high caramelisation and minimal fermentable sugars make it versatile for colour and taste adjustments without over-sweetening.
Combining with Other Malts:
This malt pairs well with lighter base malts and is often combined with medium or light crystal malts to balance complexity. It’s particularly complementary in recipes where a bold, fruity sweetness or roasted depth is desired.
Benefits of Dark Crystal 400:
Beyond its intense colour and flavour profile, Dark Crystal 400 brings textural body and mouthfeel while lending the brew a characteristic dark red or amber tone. The complexity it adds, especially in beers with minimal hop presence, highlights malt-forward profiles.
History:
Originating from classic British brewing traditions, Crystal malts like the Dark Crystal 400 have long been popular in dark ales and stouts. They capture the essence of British malt tradition, focusing on malt character, depth, and warmth.
Key Features
- Moisture Content: Max 3%
- Extract (Dry Basis): 71.5%
- Wort Colour: 418-478 EBC
- Roasting Temperature: High, for maximum caramelisation
- Usage: Up to 10% of the grain bill
- Flavour Profile: Dried fruits, treacle, roasted bitterness
- Applications: Stouts, porters, ruby ales, strong ales
- Beer styles: Stouts, porters, ruby ales, strong ales
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Additional Parameters
- Total Protein: Relevant in mash texture and foam stability
- pH: Neutral impact on mash
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