I got a chance to try Great Western or Gambrinus for the first time and am wondering what other brewers likes and dislikes of either one for IPA’s. Would GW 2 row or pale malt be best for a IPA? How’s Gambrinus Pale for IPA’s?
I’m going to get a sack so I want to be sure I make the right decision. All opinions/comments appreciated!
GW 2 row pale malt is a great malt, IMO. I consider it and Rahr to be the 2 best domestic pale malts I’ve tried. I bought 3 bags of Gambrinus a couple years back and was very disappointed by the flavor and the poor efficiency I got. 2 of the 3 bags seemed to be mostly husk. I have to assume that’s not normal for Gambrinus, but it put me off trying it again.
I have gotten gambrinus that last couple of times I brewed and it seems fine. I don’t have enough experience with other grains to compare but I did get about 83% efficiency (total) on a partygyle batch of barley wine/small beer with the gambrinus pale.