Munich-style malts are among the most widely used specialty malts by craft and homebrewers alike. Their malty character not only creates clean, malty German Lagers, but has equal application in a long list of other styles. Munich-style malts help build a malty backbone for rich, intense flavored beers from Belgian Ales to Porters. In smaller amounts, they provide balance to hop-heavy styles. Some brewers use small amounts in just about every beer they brew for underlying fullness and richness of flavor.
A recent blog mentioned these malts, so it’s only fitting that they collectively are the September Malt of the Month. If you missed it, check it out here:
Briess first introduced two 6-Row Munich Malts in the early days of American craft beer. In the 1990s we doubled our entries in this category with the introduction of two European-style, 2-Row versions—Bonlander® Munich Malt and Aromatic Munich Malt. All four are now popular with craft brewers, although most craft brewers prefer one over the other for purely personal choice. Here is a quick look at these four malts.
- 2-Row
- 10º Lovibond
- 40 DP
- European-style Munich Malt with a clean, slightly sweet, rich malty flavor. Very smooth.
- Golden amber leaning toward orange hues
- 2-Row
- 20º Lovibond
- 20 DP
- European-style Munich malt with a clean, slightly sweet, rich intense malty flavor. Very smooth.
- Deep golden with orange hues
- 6-Row
- 10º Lovibond
- 40 DP
- Smooth, sweet maltiness with a touch of biscuit.
- Golden amber leaning toward orange hues
- 6-Row
- 20º Lovibond
- 20 DP
- Smooth, intense maltiness with a touch of nutty biscuit.
- Deep golden with orange hues