[redrocker652002]

I found a recipe that I might try, but it is calling for a pound of Crystal 40.  I have 1/2 pound of crystal 20 and a half pound of crystal 60.  Would that be the same as 1 pound of 40?  LOL. I am sure not, but I figure what the heck, I might give it a go and see what I get. 

[Megary]

I'd say that would be close enough for homebrewing purposes.  Just my opinion.

[pv]

I bet it will make beer, which is always my primary goal.  Sometimes experimentation results in a better outcome than trying to follow each detail in a recipe.  I always believe I will screw something else up, so trying to replicate someone else's beer is not a huge concern.  So many things can be different, water chemistry, boil time, crush, AA of hops and many more.  I would say mixing C20 and C60 will not give you C40, but it will make beer, and it may be better (to you) than the C40 alone.  I say go for it.

[pete b]

I think it will not be exactly the same but close enough. If that's what I had on hand I would do it unless I was trying to exactly duplicate a recipe I had made before. There is a good chance the difference won't be noticable.

[Bob357]

Unless you're trying to replicate a beer you've brewed before, you wouldn't have anything to compare to, so it wouldn't matter. Otherwise, you might find a subtle difference. Caramel/Crystal malts vary in flavor as well as color. Even the same color from a different maltster can be noticeably different.

[BrewBama]

If I didn’t have C40, I’d use the C20/60 combo. It isn’t the same but I’d do it without thinking twice.

However, I probably wouldn’t use more than ~5-10% total C malt to a recipe.

[denny]

If I didn’t have C40, I’d use the C20/60 combo. It isn’t the same but I’d do it without thinking twice.

However, I probably wouldn’t use more than ~5-10% total C malt to a recipe.

Depends on the recipe, though, doesn't it?

[majorvices]

It won't be the same, but that doesn't;t mean it will be bad. 60L crystal has a lot of dark sugar and some raisin-like character that is not in 40L. Adding the 20L won't diminish that.

[BrewBama]

If I didn’t have C40, I’d use the C20/60 combo. It isn’t the same but I’d do it without thinking twice.

However, I probably wouldn’t use more than ~5-10% total C malt to a recipe.

Depends on the recipe, though, doesn't it?

Yes, but that’s my general guideline. ‘Probably’ can (and sometimes — but rarely — does) get amended.

[soymateofeo]

I'm sure it would be fine.  You won't make a bad beer replacing 40 with a 20/60 combo at all. It may be different but you might not even notice unless you had them side by side and even then. Way back in the days people used to mention "layering" their crystal malts.  You might like the combo better than 60.  Report back. But if you are worried that it will ruin your beer.  I highly doubt it.  It may be a different color too.