6-Row Malt

6-Row malt is a high enzyme base malt known for its exceptional conversion power. It produces a clean, highly fermentable wort and is especially useful when brewing with adjuncts like corn, rice, or oats, which rely on enzymatic support to convert their starches into sugars.

Often referred to as “distillers malt” for its neutral profile, 6-Row allows you to incorporate a wider range of cost effective adjuncts while maintaining strong mash performance. Its higher husk to kernel ratio also improves lautering by helping form a natural filter bed, which is particularly beneficial in adjunct-heavy recipes. For best results, brewers often pair it with rice hulls when working with high adjunct percentages to maintain smooth runoff.

In the finished beer, it delivers a more grain-forward, slightly sharper character than 2 Row, with a lighter body and drier finish. While less common in modern craft styles, 6-Row remains a practical and efficient choice for traditional American lagers and any recipe where performance and versatility are key.