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Image of a circular pile of Briess Caramel 60L Malt for beer brewing.

Briess Caramel 60L Malt (Crystal)

by Briess
$0.19 - $80.78
$0.19
$0.19 - $80.78
$0.19

We sell grain in one-ounce increments (16 oz = 1 lb) and by bulk bag. When adding grain, select the Recipe # (1, 2, or 3) using the radio buttons to assign it to a specific recipe. We’ll accurately weigh your order and combine all grains assigned to the same recipe into one labeled bag. If you’d like any grain kept separate, choose “Keep Separate” or note it in Cart Notes. Milling is available on request, simply check the appropriate checkbox below. View our Grain Ordering Guide here to learn more.
Grain Specifications:

  • Maltster: Briess

  • Grain Type: Caramel & Crystal Malts

  • Lovibond: 60

  • Category: Barley

  • Notes:

Briess Caramel 60L Malt (Crystal)

Briess Caramel 60L Malt is a classic medium crystal malt made from American barley and roasted to deliver a richer caramel profile than light crystal malts without crossing over into heavy burnt sugar or roast. It is one of the most useful grains for brewers who want to deepen amber color, build sweeter mid-palate malt character, and give hop-forward beers a firmer malt counterweight.

What It Is

This is a true crystal or caramel malt, meaning the kernel has been stewed and roasted so sugars are developed inside the grain before kilning is finished. That process creates a more pronounced caramelized flavor and a fuller sweetness contribution than standard kilned base malt can provide.

What Makes It Unique

60L crystal sits in a sweet spot. It brings more depth, color, and toffee-like richness than lighter caramel malts, but it is still versatile enough for pale ales, IPAs, ambers, porters, and stronger dark beers. It is often the point where crystal malt starts to become a clear flavor decision instead of just background support.

Flavor and Aroma

Expect caramel, toffee, dark sugar, and a light raisin-like richness depending on usage rate and the rest of the grist. In balanced amounts, it rounds out bitterness and helps a beer feel more complete. In heavier use, it can push the beer toward deeper sweetness and a more pronounced caramel center.

Color and Lovibond

At 60 °L, this malt contributes a clear amber-to-reddish color shift and can materially darken the finished beer even at moderate percentages. It is a practical choice when you want visible color impact along with flavor development.

Brewing Contribution

Briess Caramel 60L helps build body, supports foam, and adds a richer malt impression that can balance assertive hopping or reinforce darker malt layers. It is especially useful when a recipe needs more than simple sweetness, but does not need roast or chocolate character.

Recommended Usage

Common usage is around 5% to 15% of the grist. Lower rates add background sweetness and color support. Mid-range rates make caramel flavor more obvious. Higher rates should be used intentionally so the beer does not become overly sweet or heavy.

Maximum Usage

A practical ceiling for many balanced recipes is about 15%, though some strong ales and malt-forward dark beers may push it a bit higher when richer crystal character is the goal.

Mash and Process Notes

Like other crystal malts, it does not need special handling beyond normal milling and mash integration. The main process decision is recipe balance. Too much 60L crystal can leave a beer feeling heavy or overly sweet, especially when paired with large late-hop charges or already rich base malts.

Best Uses and Styles

Very good in American pale ale, IPA, amber ale, red ale, porter, stout, old ale, bock-inspired recipes, and stronger malt-forward beers that benefit from caramel depth and fuller color.

Origin and Maltster Context

Briess is one of the core American maltsters, and its crystal malts are familiar workhorse ingredients for practical recipe design. This product is less about novelty than about repeatable, dependable caramel contribution that brewers can slot into a recipe with confidence.

Product Details

  • Grain variety: Barley
  • Grain type: Caramel & Crystal Malts
  • Producer: Briess
  • Country of origin: United States
  • Color: 60 °L
  • Flavor profile: Caramel, toffee, dark sugar, fuller malt sweetness

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from humidity, pests, and excess heat. Reseal after opening to protect freshness and keep the grain in good condition for consistent milling and mash performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer grain milling services?

Yes, we provide grain milling services free of charge before shipping. To have your grain milled, please select the "Yes, please mill my grain" option on each grain product before adding it to your cart. We use a high-end, 3-roller mill from Spike, set to a standard gap of 4.5, which achieves optimal cracking while minimizing excessive flour. If you prefer a coarser or finer mill, leave a note in the shopping cart, and we’ll adjust it to your preference.

If we notice that most grains were selected for milling but a few were not, we will assume it was an oversight and mill all of them. If your intention is different, please clarify in the shopping cart notes section.

How do you ensure accuracy when weighing grains?

We take great care to ensure that you receive the correct grains in the exact quantities needed for your recipe. Our multi-step process ensures precision, starting with weighing each grain type individually to an accuracy of 0.08 ounces. After that, we perform a final check by weighing the combined total to confirm accuracy. Your total grain weight will always be slightly over the ordered amount, never under, and always within an acceptable range for even the most detail-oriented brewers (like ourselves).

How are grains packaged before shipment?

We provide a convenient recipe-building tool to streamline the process for you, our team, and the environment. We encourage you to use this tool to build your recipes, ensuring you get exactly what you’ve ordered in the correct quantities. By combining all the grains for a single recipe into one bag, we help speed up your brew day, reduce packaging waste, and save time during order fulfillment. Rest assured, we prioritize accuracy when measuring and packing your grains.