Special B a.k.a. Special-B
Belgian heavy crystal — raisin and dark fruit.
What it tastes like
Special B is a Belgian-style heavy crystal malt — much darker than typical crystal/caramel malts, with intense dried-fruit, raisin, and dark plum character. Used at 1-7% in Belgian dubbels, quads, and some barleywines for that signature 'fruit cake' note.
Best in these styles
For brewers — technical profile
Color (Lovibond)
130–150 °L
Color (EBC)
260–300
Max Use
10% of grain bill
Diastatic Power
None
Where to source
Maltsters that produce or distribute this grain:
History
Special B is a Castle Malting (Belgium) signature product. Weyermann produces a near-identical malt.