Would love some input on what base malt everybody pefers to use for an Irish Red Ale. I was thinking Maris Otter.
Maris Otter for me.
Marris Otter for mine too. Brewing my Irish Red this Sunday as a matter of fact.
Another vote for MO.
+1
Thanks, looks like I’ll be heading out the LHBS and getting some more MO.
I’ve been using Optic in mine & really like the profile, but you can’t go wrong w/ MO + it’s easier to get. 
What differences did you notice with the Optic compared to the MO? I have access to both but have never used Optic before.
not beertracker, but I’ve used a few sacks of Optic before (and I’ve used TF MO as my ale base malt >4 yrs). To me, Optic lends a little more candy-like maltiness and slightly less bready/biscuity than MO. Those were the only detectable differences I had. I didn’t like the candyness in the malt as much so I went back to my old standby MO.
Would be interested to hear beertracker’s take as well.
I’m experimenting with Halcyon for the first time on Monday morning. Looking forward to it!
Cheers!
I would like to hear the result when available
Me too! I usually use MO for all ales other than Continentals these days.
I would like to hear the result when available
[/quote]
Me too! I usually use MO for all ales other than Continentals these days.
[/quote]
well, its happily fermenting away - i expect to be tapping into it at the end of February - will keep you posted.
I would only add that Optic lends a slightly more exaggerated aromatic graininess to the finished beer. In other words, it aids/adds to the complexity of smaller session beers creating smooth textured beers. I’m not suggesting that MO doesn’t, just prefer the profile in certain styles that I’ve used both malts in.
You couldn’t go wrong with some MO :
Absolutely MO!