Dark(er) Berliner Weisse?

[kal_ale]

I"m brewing a Berliner Weisse today (from Brewing CS), and had a dream last night about adding a small amount of a darker kilned grain to it. Not necessarily looking for any roasted character, but a little bit of toast in the background (and some color) that may compliment the lacto culture I'll be adding. I love sour beers, yet like the idea of a low alcohol one, like Berliner Weisse. The weather just started cooling down quite a bit, so something a little darker would be nice to compliment that. Any ideas?

[ApresSkiBrewer]

Do it, but don't over do it. See what happens... or brew it twice and try it in one and not the other.

[ChrisKennedy]

Use maris otter as a base instead of pilsner malt. That should give you a hint of toast. And perhaps the darker wheat from weyermann. Be extremely light handed with non-base malts. Berliner weisse are very very revealing of subtle flavors.

[brewinhard]

What about just adding a touch of munich or vienna malt in place of the pils? That should give you a little maltier background and not darken the beer too much.

[mediumsk]

i would cold steep some carafa 2.
more color, less acridness and just a hint of roast.
pale chocolate would probably work well also

[LC123]

Why not stay with wheat and use a touch of chocolate wheat. Maybe 5% or less.

[BigNastyBrew]

I like the carafa II idea, too. We're talking an ounce or 2 though.