Weyermann® Special W® Malt
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: Weyermann
Grain Type: Caramel & Crystal Malts
Lovibond: 121
Category: Barley
Notes:
Weyermann® Special W® Malt
Weyermann® Special W® is a deeply kilned German caramel malt made for brewers chasing layered dark-fruit malt character rather than simple sweetness. If you want raisin, fig, toasted bread crust, and rich caramel notes in the background of a beer, Special W is one of those malts that can change the whole personality of the recipe with a relatively small addition. It is produced in Germany and typically lands around 106 to 121°L, so it also brings substantial color along with flavor.
What it brings to a beer
This is the kind of malt that shines in Belgian dubbels, Belgian dark strong ales, old ales, porters, stouts, and other malt-forward recipes where you want depth without relying entirely on dark roasted grains. Compared with lighter crystal malts, Special W leans further into dark caramel, dried fruit, and a lightly toasted, almost pastry-like richness.
Because it is a true specialty malt, it is usually best used to build complexity rather than serve as the base of the grist. Small additions can add subtle dark-fruit depth, while larger additions push the beer toward a fuller, sweeter, more intensely caramelized profile.
Why brewers reach for Special W
- Adds raisin, prune, dark caramel, and bread-crust notes
- Contributes deep amber to brown color
- Useful for Belgian and other malt-driven styles that need richer mid-palate malt character
- Helps create a fuller impression without harsh roast character
Good fit for
Special W is especially handy when a dubbel, strong ale, porter, or holiday-style beer tastes a little too plain with standard crystal malt alone. It can also help bridge the gap between caramel sweetness and darker specialty malt complexity. If you're building a recipe with Munich, aromatic, or other continental specialty malts, this one usually plays very well with them.
Sold by the ounce for flexible recipe building.