My LHBS stocks Munton’s Maris Otter but I just found out that a ‘nearby’ shop carries Simpson’s and the Crisp brand also. Anyone care to share their preferences? I’ve been happy with the Munton’s but I won’t mind driving a little further for something that’s better. And as far as the price point, they’re all close, around $75-80 IIRC.
Prefer Simpsons and Crisp but I’ve used Munton’s a lot too. Simpson’s and Crisp have a more complex flavor IMO but not everywhere carries them.
Yeah, I was surprised when I saw that this place carried all 3. Plus they also carry some dry yeasts I’ve been wanting to try. The Crisp is the Glen Eagle variety and I remember that some while ago there was mention of that malt on here. The Simpsons and Crisp are both the same price, so I guess it’s a coin toss.
Just curious, Dave C. in NE Ohio, where is this place? Sounds like it maybe should go on my list of “nearby” but not LHBS.
EDIT No, let me guess: Vine n Hop? (Already my nearby-not-LHBS)
You were peeking, weren’t you? Yeah, local is Grape & Granary. Not so local is Label Peelers and now I’ve got to try Vine n Hop.
Yep, G&G is local, I’ve still never checked out Label Peelers. Vine n Hop is nice, their prices are a little steep next to G&G, but they have a pretty wide selection of malts. If I want something different I often go there and the price washes out when I save shipping!
Well, on one hand Vine has all 3 brands. The Munton’s is $65 (for a 55# bag) there and the Simpson’s and Crisp are both $81. G&G only has the Munton’s and it’s $74. For the most part, though, G&G has probably 95% of what I want and/or need. Still gonna take a run up to Vine pretty soon.
Worth the trip. I’d say prices generally run higher at Vine but you did spot an exception! One other difference is that G&G gives a price break at 10 lbs but Vine is by the lb until you buy the bag. But you want a bag anyway! When you read the situation of a lot of people here on the forum, you realize we are really spoiled for choice of good brew shops in NEO.
Yeah, doesn’t get much better than this. But you haven’t said which one you prefer.
Oh, I’d stick with G&G, probably even if it wasn’t a lot closer to me. Over the years in known a number of shops in different places, and they’re about as good as it gets. But I’m impressed with both in different ways. Vine is relatively new but they really hit the ground running. John at G&G is always doing special orders too (getting me a bag of Weyermann Barke Pilsner which they don’t usually carry.) I think the most important thing about any good shop is just that, if the customers and owners have a good relationship, they’ll do what it takes to keep you happy! I’ve really had hit and miss luck online, it’s so nice to have these personal local relationships. Feel sorry for people who have no choice. So hey, get that malt at Vine, and if you like it and it’s more convenient, ask John and he’ll probably get your next one!
Oh, I wasn’t asking which LHBS. I’ve dealt with G&G ever since I started in 2012 and they’re at the top of the list. I’m referring to which brand of Maris Otter do you prefer.
Sorry, my bad. I’ve only ever used the Muntons, so I’m no help on that!
Ah, Geez. What good are ya? LOL!
Hey, with two top notch shops around, you don’t need my help! 
Thanks. I’m just looking for a little guidance. I know the Munton’s is ok and like you, it’s all I’ve used. I would, however, like to try one of the others just to see how they turn out. Might end up being a flip of the coin. We’ll see.
Don’t forget Thomas Fawcett, they’ve been my go-to for a while. To me, Crisp has been the most disappointing, their Maris Otter comes off as muddy, likely a result of their blending. Their specialty malts weren’t anything to write home about either.
It’s possible I didn’t have great examples, but again, Fawcett has never disappointed me. Supposedly their Maris Otter wasn’t blended back when Crisp was doing so. (Don’t know the current state of protein in MO, so i don’t know if Crisp is still blending.)
Muntons also blends, for a premium you can get 100% MO.
FWIW Fawcett may as well, I’ve been out of the loop a while.
Personally, I rarely ever use 100% Maris Otter as a base malt. I find blending MO with other pale malt varieties (Perl, optic, stout malt, etc) to make for better beers. So I’m not opposed to blending MO, I just feel that whatever Crisp blended their Maris Otter with was a poor choice.
Yes, I really like TF MO too. But all Phils must think alike, and of course correctly…I also rarely(never) use it 100%.
I visited Label Peelers a couple years ago lured by the low prices on hops. I was surprised when we walked back into the shipping area and there were 6 or 7 pallets stacked with boxes of hops. The bulk (volume) explained the low prices but what surprised me was that they were not refrigerated. Just sitting in the 60-65 degree warehouse. I don’t mean to bash them because walk in coolers are not cheap to install or run, just want to inform anyone who expects their ingredients to be stored in the best conditions possible prior to use.