Hi, I have a AG recipe for a porter that I converted to an extract recipe. It calls for Pale Malt (2 Row) US (2.0 SRM) as the base grain. When i convert using beersmith it says to use pale LME. My question is, is pale LME ok for a porter? The speciality grains in the recipe will definitely give it the dark color of a porter. I’m just confused why not to use a dark LME.
Thanks
The difference between dark and light LME is that the dark includes some sort of dark malts. Since you’ll be using specialty malts what you want is a substitute for the 2row. Just get a good quality light liquid or dry malt extract.
Great thanks!!
As a rule, you are almost always better off using a light extract rather than anything darker. It gives you a lot more control over your recipe that way. Almost all AG recipes get most of their fermentables from a light base malt, and use roast, crystal and specialty malts to adjust color and flavor. You can do the same with extract and steeped grains.
