Against The Grain: What Pilsner Malt Brings to an English Ale
The brew called "Against The Grain" is described as a "Lager style Pale Ale" — a phrase that raises questions until you recognise the clue: the use of Pilsner (sometimes called "lager") malt. Here we unpack the key questions beer lovers search for: how Pilsner malt compares to 2‑row, whether it’s gluten free, where to buy it, and how related malts like two‑row spring barley or black malt affect flavour.
What is Pilsner malt?
Pilsner malt is a very pale base malt traditionally used for Pilsners and other light lagers. It’s kilned gently to preserve a light colour and a clean, sweet grain character. Compared with classic English pale malts, Pilsner malt tends to be lighter in colour and less biscuity/toasty on the nose and palate — which is exactly why some brewers call it "lager malt" in casual usage.
Pilsner malt vs 2‑row: what’s the difference?
The common comparison people search for is "pilsner malt vs 2 row." "2‑row" refers to a barley variety and general malt style—thin, efficient, and often the backbone of many ales. Pilsner malt is usually made from similar pale barley but is distinguished by how it’s kilned and handled to achieve a very pale colour and a delicate flavour.
- Colour: Pilsner malt is paler than many English pale 2‑row malts.
- Flavour: Pilsner is cleaner and less biscuity; 2‑row English pale can be more malty/biscuity.
- Use: Pilsner malt leans toward crisp, delicate lagers and modern pale beers; 2‑row is a versatile ale base.
In practice, brewers mix malts to achieve a desired profile — which is why an English‑style ale like Against The Grain can use Pilsner malt for brightness while keeping classic ale fermentation and character.
Is Pilsner malt gluten free?
Short answer: no. Pilsner malt is made from barley, which contains gluten. Beer brewed from barley malts is not gluten free. That said, some brewers add adjuncts (like corn) or use processes that can reduce detectable gluten levels in the finished beer. Against The Grain uses a small percentage of corn to lighten body and help reduce gluten presence, but it is not a guaranteed gluten‑free product and should not be treated as such by people with celiac disease.
Where can I buy Pilsner malt?
Many craft brewing suppliers sell Pilsner malt in small or bulk quantities. You’ll find it at specialty homebrew shops and online marketplaces. Searches for "pilsner malt amazon" often return usable options, but for freshest product and better variety consider homebrew retailers or local mills that list malts by harvest year.
When buying, check the malt’s freshness (harvest year) and intended use (some Pilsner malts are tailored to lager brewing and show very low colour and delicate enzymes). If you are scaling up professionally, consult a supplier about husk quality and modification level.
What is two‑row spring barley?
"Two‑row spring barley" is a barley variety often used for malting. The "two‑row" descriptor means kernels form in two rows on the barley head; spring barley is planted in spring and harvested the same year. Two‑row spring barley tends to give a clean, neutral malt profile with good extract efficiency, making it a popular base for both 2‑row pale and Pilsner malts.
What does black malt taste like?
Black malt is a very dark, heavily kilned malt used in small percentages to add colour and roast character — flavours like coffee, dark chocolate, and burnt toast. It’s not a component of a light Pilsner‑style base, but brewmasters use it deliberately for stouts, porters, or darker ales. In a beer like Against The Grain you won’t expect black‑malt flavours; instead you’ll get a light, clean graininess tempered by a hint of sweetness and a drier finish thanks to the corn adjunct.
How these points apply to Against The Grain
Against The Grain is essentially an English high‑fermentation ale that leans on a Pilsner ("lager") malt base and a touch of corn. The result is a lighter colour and a less toasty malt profile than a classic English Pale, with a crisp, drinkable finish. If you want to experience a beer that blurs style lines while staying true to ale fermentation, try
.
Tasting notes and pairing tips
Expect a pale straw to gold appearance, a clean grain aroma, gentle malt sweetness, moderate hop balance (depending on the recipe), and a lighter mouthfeel.
Pair it with lighter pub fare: fish and chips, roasted chicken, mild cheeses, or simply enjoy it chilled on its own.
Quick takeaways
- Pilsner malt = very pale, clean base malt often used for lagers but also useful in bright ales.
- Pilsner vs 2‑row: differences are subtle — mostly colour and malt character.
- Pilsner malt contains gluten; adjuncts like corn can reduce perceived gluten but do not make a beer gluten free.
- Buy Pilsner malt from homebrew shops or reputable online retailers; check freshness.
Whether you’re brewing at home or simply curious about hybrid styles, understanding the role of Pilsner malt helps you appreciate why a beer like Against The Grain can taste both familiar and intriguingly different.
