What is Caramel 80L Malt?

Caramel 80L Malt is a roasted caramel malt used to add deep red color, caramel sweetness, and malt complexity to beer.

How much Caramel 80L Malt should I use?

Typically 5–15% of the grain bill depending on desired sweetness and color intensity.

Does Caramel 80L add sweetness?

Yes. It contributes caramel, toffee, burnt sugar, and mild raisin notes.

Can I steep Caramel 80L Malt?

Yes. It can be steeped to extract color and sweetness.

What styles benefit most from Caramel 80L?

Porters, stouts, doppelbocks, strong ales, barleywines, and dark lagers benefit most from its caramel depth and red color.

Will this malt darken my beer significantly?

At 80°L it adds noticeable deep amber to red color, especially at higher usage rates.

Carafa® Special II - Weyermann

$3.69

Choose from Milled or Unmilled

1 Lb Unmilled Carafa® Special II Malt

1 Lb Milled Carafa® Special II Malt

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Lovibond Scale from 10°-120°

Malt Style, Dark Roasted Malt
Flavor, Coffee, cocoa and dark chocolate notes
Color, Deep brown to black
Lovibond, 415~452º
Moisture, 3.8%
Benefits, Adds deep roast, coffee, and chocolate character with reduced bitterness

Flavor Notes

Provides smooth cocoa, coffee and chocolate character.

Mouthfeel Impact

Adds depth and body without harsh roast bitterness.

Brewing Performance

• Deep brown to black color (415–452°L)
• Typically used up to 5%, up to 15% for intense recipes
• Supports smooth finish and aromatic complexity

Carafa® Special II gives elegant dark roast character and subtle complexity while maintaining a clean finish.

In All-Grain Brewing

Use 3–5% for flavor enhancement; up to 15% for more intense roast character.

In Partial Mash Brewing

Add to mash for color and aromatic depth.

In Extract Brewing

Steep at 150–170°F for 20–30 minutes to extract flavor and color.

Pairing Suggestions

Pairs well with:

• 2-Row Malt
• Maris Otter Pale Ale Malt
• Munich Malt
• Crystal Malts (40–80°L)
• Chocolate Malt or Midnight Wheat
• English Ale Yeast
• Irish Ale Yeast
• Belgian Ale Yeast
• English or American Aroma Hops

Carafa® Special II - Weyermann

From $3.69

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Carafa® Special II a base malt?

No. Carafa® Special II is a specialty malt designed to add color, aroma, and smooth roasted flavors. It should be used alongside a base malt rather than as the primary fermentable.

Can I steep Carafa® Special II?

Yes. Steeping at 150–170°F for 20–30 minutes extracts its dark roast aroma and subtle cocoa, coffee, and chocolate notes without excessive bitterness.

How much Carafa® Special II should I use?

Typical usage is 3–5% of the grain bill to add rich dark color and aromatic depth. For very dark beers like Imperial Stouts or Russian Imperial Stouts, amounts up to 15% can be used for a more pronounced roast character.

Does it add bitterness?

Carafa® Special II adds minimal bitterness. The de-husked process reduces harsh roasted bitterness, allowing you to enjoy full dark malt character without overpowering the base malt or hops.

Can it be used in light beers?

Yes. Small additions—around 0.5% of the grain bill—can subtly darken color or adjust roast character without impacting flavor significantly, making it suitable even for lighter beer styles.

Discover More Brewing Grains

Using Brewing Malts & Grains in your latest recipe? Browse our full collection of brewing malt and specialty grains, from caramel malts to rye to adjuncts. Available milled or unmilled to best suit your brewing setup.

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