besides the maris otter,which i assume is the base malt grain,what else would i need for a delicious chocolately,creamy beer?
So - looking at the grains site that you listed (what I pasted in below on certain grains are straight from the site you listed) I wanted to hone in on a few of the things you mentioned (and of course ask a few questions)...
I'm thinking an English Mild Ale might be good - a simple one at that.
Golden Promise - This will add a nice rich malty base to the beer (great for a mild ale)
Chocolate malt - IS A MUST - see below. (certainly 10%)
Dextrin Malt - will add a body to the beer and a touch of sweetness (5-8%) - I think I'd recommend this over caramel malt - see below
Golden Naked Oats - You mentioned "Creaminess" so this I SUPPOSE could be used instead of the dextrin malt but I have never used it myself so I can't speak on it.... see below
QUESTION: What type of beer does your wife like? Chocolate beers are typically made out of Porters or Stouts - notice that I am leaning towards an English Mild Ale here - this is because I assume she would not like porter or stout. Maybe a brown ale would be good but honestly the MILD is pretty well suited for this IMO... If I weren't doing that I'd be making a Schwarzbier / Dunkle Lager with chocolate notes!
Anyway, I hope this has been helpful. Let me know if you had other ideas! I'm excited for you to try this! (I'm looking to make a "chocolate" lager myself next. So, I had been already doing some research.
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Simpsons
Lovibond: 1.0 - 1.2
EBC: 1.3 - 1.6
Sold in 1 kg bags
A handy little tool to keep up your sleeve, Dextrin Malt can be used sparingly to add body, mouthfeel and foam stability to any beer. Particularly useful in very light, hop forward IPAs to balance bitterness, it’s great in lower attenuated sweet beers, such as Mild and Sweet Stout.
Beer Styles: Dark, Mild and Sweet Stout
Malt Flavour: Mouthfeel and Foam
Usage: Up to 5% to Improve Mouthfeel and Foam Stability in any Beer 10–20% in Dark Mild and Sweet Stout
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Simpsons
Lovibond: 400.7 - 225.6
EBC: 1067 - 1300
sold in 1 kg bags
Simpsons Chocolate Malt gives beer a stunning dark brown colour. Chocolate overtones and hints of coffee bring richness and complexity at higher usages in Stouts and Porters.
Beer Styles:
Winter Warmers, Porter and Stout, Dark Mild, Bock
Malt flavour: Dark Chocolate
Usage: Up to 10%
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Simpsons
Lovibond: 5.1 - 9.6
EBC: 12 - 25
Sold in 1 kg bags
This husk less oat crystal malt is quite simply delicious. An exotic ingredient for the adventurous brewer, it brings a subtle nutty flavour. Its creaminess brings mouth feel and balance to strong, hop forward beers. One taste and we’re sure you’ll be inspired to start creating a new recipe
Beer Styles: Oat Stouts and Speciality Beers
Malt Flavour: Nutty, Creamy, Porridge
Usage: Up to 10%
