Substitute For Dextrose?

[tk75]

Is there a malt extract that is able to be substituded for dextrose?? Would light dry malt offer a suitable replacement? What quantities would need to be used?

Thanks in advance for any info!

Cheers :beer:

 

[jimmy01]

Hi Maltaddict

Dry Malt Extract is a great substitute for dextrose. It is more expensive than dextrose but worth the additonal cost. Use Light Malt Extract for lagers etc, but you can use Dark Malt Extract for darker beers

You will get slightly less alcohol from a kg of dry malt than a kg of dextrose but a lot more body. For a 23l batch you might lose 1-3 specific gravity points.


Cheers

Jimmy

 

[tk75]

Thanks for the input Jimmy, Cheers mate!

The main reason I ask, is I am using kits for the moment but I want to use all malt ingredients, i.e. no adjuncts or were it's more required per style...for instance I'm looking at making a brew for the Bayside Brewers comp. and as I will be using a kit for the base, I want to try and stick to the proper styles.

Does any of that make sense?? :blink: :blink: LOL

 

[jimmy01]

Thanks for the input Jimmy, Cheers mate!

The main reason I ask, is I am using kits for the moment but I want to use all malt ingredients, i.e. no adjuncts or were it's more required per style...for instance I'm looking at making a brew for the Bayside Brewers comp. and as I will be using a kit for the base, I want to try and stick to the proper styles.

Does any of that make sense?? :blink: :blink: LOL

By adding LME you will be closer to an all malt beer. It is a great first step in improving your beers.

However with K&K you still have less control over the style of beer, than you would with All Grain. A lot of this is because you are dependent on the how the liquid malt in the can was produced and what else has been added in the terms of hops and adjuncts. Many AG brewers started with K&K and moved to partial mashes then AG. But you can still produce great beers with K&K.

The best way is to experiment and add additional steps to your brewing. Can I suggest that another improvement would be to purchase an unhopped can of malt that suits the style of beer that you are aiming to produce. Then add your own hops and LME. Gives you further control.

Using a superior brand of yeast than the one supplied with the can is another way to improve the beer. Try the Fermentis yeasts available at most HBS. http://www.fermentis.com/FO/EN/06-Ales/30-10_product_hb.asp (No affilitation.)

Another option is to purchase one of the 18l worts that are available through many HBS. You can purchase a number of styles depending on the season then add your hops and yeast to suit the style you are aiming for. I havent used these myself but there are plenty of threads on this site espousing the virtues of these worts (cubes).

A site that has been very helpful for me is John Palmers How to Brew. http://www.howtobrew.com/

Hope these suggestions help
Enjoy the ride - its great fun.

Cheers
Jimmy

 

[tk75]

Cheers again Jimmy!

Just a quick reply(I'm headin down to Bunnings to get some equip.)...I have read John Palmer's guide - bloody fantastic and recommended reading!!

Unfortunately I don't have a hbs close by and I have to rely on public transport...however I am looking at placing an on-line order with G&G either tday or 2morrow.

Anyway...off to Bunnings as it usually takes me an hour or so just to by one or two things, not the chosing but the browsing



:beer: