Lme Vs. Dme

[shanew]

I've seen extract recipes that use either DME or LME as the base but I can't seem to find any explanation as to why either is preferred in any particular style.

Is it just personal preference? Do either have advantages in particular styles over the other?

I'm planning a Chzech Pilsner recipe. Most I've seen include 3kg of DME as the base. Would there be any benefit in using LME instead? :huh:

Yoz

 

[Pandreas]

Just new to brewing myself so I don't have the definitive answers.....

But, my research has led me to believe that the main benefit in DME is that when you buy it in bulk, it is easy to measure the amount you need for a particular brew.

LME when purchased in bulk can be difficult and messy to measure. I believe it is also necessary to buy a 'honey gate' or tap to access the LME from the cask.

A downside to using DME is that it can be difficult to dissolve whereas LME readily dissolves.

I don't think there is any real difference between LME and DME when it comes to the flavour / quality of a brew....

I'm sure others can give a much more detailed answer!

Cheers!

 

[bconnery]

As the previous post mentioned there are fors and against and most users have a preference for whatever reason.

One thing to remember when following recipes is that a given amount of DME contributes more gravity than the corresponding amount of LME. So if a recipe says 3kg of DME, 3kgs of LME will not give the same OG... I think it's about 1.25 DME:LME so you would need 3.75kgs of LMEbut don't quote me on that. Use a recipe calculation tool to be certain...