[yeastmaster]

I recently brewed a couple of beers (scotch ale, an extra pale ale, and british IPA) with a sack of Gambrinus Pale malt.  I've noticed that all of these beers came out much hazier than I was expecting.  Usually I brew with Marris Otter and don't tend to have much haze problems.

I'm trying to decide if I want to purchase another sack of this malt or spend the extra money on some Maris Otter or Golden Promise.  Does anyone have any experience or opinions about this malt? 

[thcipriani]

I don't have any experience with this malt, but I have looked at it in the past - never too in depth though.

I found the malt report here:
http://www.specialtymalts.com/gambrinus/malt_analysis.html

A few things to note - very low protein content, very well modified and the T/S Protein ratio is fairly high.

What was your mashing scheme like? Did you test for conversion? Is the haze permanent or is it chill haze?

[davidw]

I've went through several bags of the Gambrinus Pale and their ESB malt. The Pale works great as a base for many styles, pale ales, IPA's, porters, etc. The ESB is excellent as 100% of the grist for bitters, ESB's (surprise), and with some darker roasted malt in a mild recipe. I've never experienced any problems with haze using this malt. Perhaps the particular lot you snagged had higher than normal protein content.

[denny]

I bought a couple bags of Gambrinus pal a few years ago and had nothing but problems with it.  Low efficiency, hazy beer, off flavors.  Maybe it's a consistency issue.

[davidw]

FWIW, my experience with it was with the 2008 and 2009 crop. Haven't gotten any yet this year.

Denny, do you know if Gambrinus use to be Canadian Malting?

[denny]

Denny, do you know if Gambrinus use to be Canadian Malting?

That's what I seem to recall, David.  I don't know if that's still true.

[skyler]

I thought I read that Canadian Malting Co. was the Canadian arm of Great Western. I am trying out Gambrinus Pils right now, but won't know how it works for a while. So far my favorite North American maltster is Great Western, hands down.

[Thirsty_Monk]

Denny, do you know if Gambrinus use to be Canadian Malting?

That's what I seem to recall, David.  I don't know if that's still true.

I do not think so. Gambrinus Malting to my knowledge is relatively small operation.
http://www.brewingtechniques.com/bmg/gambrinus.html

[gmwren]

Gambrinus is part of the Cargill family.
http://www.specialtymalts.com/gambrinus/malt_analysis.html

[Thirsty_Monk]

Not sure about that.
Link you posted is just analyses sheet that you get from supplier company like brewers supply group:
http://www.brewerssupplygroup.com/Gambrinus.html

or County Malt Supply group:
http://www.countrymaltgroup.com/gambrinusmalting.asp

There is not a lot of info about it.

[gmwren]

Not sure about that.
Link you posted is just analyses sheet that you get from supplier company like brewers supply group:
http://www.brewerssupplygroup.com/Gambrinus.html

Check the links, they are definitely allied or partnered with Cargill.
From Cargill Malt Specialty Products Page:

Through our strategically located distribution centers, we are ready to deliver superior customer service at a location that is convenient to you.And with our world-wide partners, Dingemans, Gambrinus, Gilbertson & Page, Meussdoerffer, Pauls Malt, and Warminster, we're ready to offer you a selection of products sure to meet your exacting standards.

They do have a malt analysis page where you enter the lot number off your bag and you get specific

technical information you want, when you want it.

http://www.specialtymalts.com/tech_center/lot_analysis.html
I wish more information like this was availible from other maltsers.

[yeastmaster]

Still haven't decided if I'm going to get another sac to give it another try or spend the extra money on some Marris Otter.  I'm in Alaska so the shipping cost bump up the price of malt quite a bit. 

I'm going to put this decision off for a little bit since I've decided to do a series of Belgians.  My LHBS has a sac of Best Malz Pilzen that I'm going to snag