Lager with maris otter

[mattmacleod]

My local brewery are happy to sell me 25kg sacks of Maris otter at cost price. Buying the same through any of the online retailers (I don't have a LHBS) costs 3 or even 4 times the amount I'm paying to the brewery.

However, I really want to start brewing continental styles, especially German lagers, and blonde Belgian styles. Can I get away with using the MO or should I pony up for a sack of Pils malt?

[BDawg]

If you are going for NHC competition-level authenticity, you'll want to use the Pils. If you are just making "Beer me and my buddies will drink", it really doesn't matter, so go cheap.

Honestly, the best you can do is try both side by side and you'll see whether you like the difference and whether it's worth the extra money.

HTH-

[Cliff]

My local brewery are happy to sell me 25kg sacks of Maris otter at cost price. Buying the same through any of the online retailers (I don't have a LHBS) costs 3 or even 4 times the amount I'm paying to the brewery.

How does one spell jealousy?

However, I really want to start brewing continental styles, especially German lagers, and blonde Belgian styles. Can I get away with using the MO or should I pony up for a sack of Pils malt?

I'd go with the Maris Otter. It's a great grain and what's the difference other than some lager producer may use something else? It's not like there's any rules. You may end up with a better Lager.

Bdawg nailed the only reason to second guess that grain in a lager.