Beer Forum

I've come across a large amount of brewers crystals (free) for me to use. After some research, I've found that they are a corn derivative consisting of ~55 % Maltose and 45% glucose. Its supposed to replicate the typical sugar profile of wort and be used as a gravity booster without adding much in the way of malt flavor or by products of fermentation typical in high adjunct beers.

So my question is......besides using this in the kettle, could I use this as a DME replacement for starters...or at least split DME with it? If its maltose, it shouldnt screw up the starter or fermentation right?

Thanks for Looking.

If it's really 100% maltose and glucose, I would think that it wouldn't be good for starters because it's lacking a lot of other micronutrients, minerals, etc that yeast need to be healthy. Maybe you could add those by supplementing with a yeast nutrient or something. I've never heard of brewers crystals before, curious.

AquaDementia wrote: brewers crystals (free) for me to use. After some research, I've found that they are a corn derivative consisting of ~55 % Maltose and 45% glucose.

Where can I find these magic crystals?

I think this is the same stuff, though mine came from the manufacturer in a 10# pale.
http://www.ritebrew.com/brewers-crystal ... ph7glq9is1

I've read that they don't dissolve the best in the kettle, but I dont see why it wouldnt work for at least part of my starter assuming I have some nutrient in there. I guess experimentation will have the final say.