Caramel/Crystal 190L (Patagonia)

Patagonia Caramel 190L is a Chilean, extra-dark crystal malt. It has a rich, toffee flavor with a sweet bitterness and hints of prune. It provides deep amber hues wort, with only a slight reddish tinge. Crystal malts also add body and improve head retention. Add Caramel 190L wherever its characteristic affect is desired. It is suitable for use in most beers, but is usually avoided in lighter styles.

Crystal malts are gently cooked during the malting process. Cooking initiates the enzymatic conversion of starches into fermentable sugars, and caramelizes some of the sugars as the malt reaches its final color. This eliminates the need to mash crystal malt, and ensures that some of the sugars will survive fermentation to sweeten the beer.