2row, 6row
I thought that 6 row had more enzymatic activity and therefore helped in "big beer" recipes
It would only help if the "big" in the big beer were largely adjuncts that didn't bring along their own enzymes. Crystals, roasted anything, unmalted corn wheat, etc.
Most of the brewers I spoke to when I was starting out actually preferred the flavor of 2 row to 6 row. Their theory was that the flavor and sugars were more concentrated in the 2 row, so that was all they ever used. This came from a small brewing club, so there wasn't always a lot of outside thoughts coming in, and they could have been complete off base.
They have different flavors but pretty they're pretty subtle. I don't know if the 'flavors are more concentrated' but 2-row does have a higher yield, so it's cheaper to use, but on a 5 gal scale, that wouldn't make much difference.
I guess that concentrated was a wrong term. Basically, I meant that you do get more yield per pound of grain, the reason being that the fewer grains per stalk allowed for a higher concentration of starches in the 2 row vs the 6 row.
I do use 6row with beers that use a lot of adjuncts, and therefore the extra enzymatic activity is helpful.
Thanks for all the info about the differences between 2 row and 6 row.
i also use 6 row when i am making beers with alot of adjuncts. many of the brews i make are medicinal or herbal, and so the 6 row really helps. also, i find that it doesnt impart a very strong flavor of its own (nor would 2 row, but some other grains would, especially crystal)
The homebrewers I've had a chance to talk to all prefer 2row.
One guy uses it to make a wheat beer.
Marv.
The homebrewers I've had a chance to talk to all prefer 2row.
One guy uses it to make a wheat beer.
You mean he uses wheat to make a wheat? Or do you mean 6-Row in a wheat. I'd like to try 6-Row in a wheat but I can't find it anywhere around here.
going by what he said, he is using half 6row and wheat.
I think he said it was a little more 6row then wheat. Like 60% wheat and 40% 6row or the other way around but he is using both to make his wheat.
Marv.
Sounds interesting, I've always used 2-row for wheats.