Special B

Deep Dark Fruit • Raisin & Plum Complexity • Belgian Caramel Character

Special B is Belgium's darkest crystal malt, prized for the intense raisin, plum, and dark fruit character it brings to abbey-style ales. No other single malt delivers the same depth of dried-fruit complexity, which is why it appears in nearly every classic dubbel and quadrupel recipe.

With a color rating of 130 °Lovibond and 31 PPG of extract, Special B contributes deep mahogany-brown color and rich residual sweetness even at modest rates, layering toffee and burnt-sugar notes beneath its signature fruit.

Flavor & Aroma Profile

• Intense raisin and plum character
• Dark dried fruit — fig and date notes
• Rich toffee and caramel depth
• Subtle burnt-sugar undertones
• Deep mahogany color contribution

A small addition of Special B lends gentle dark-fruit nuance; push the percentage higher and the raisin and plum character becomes the defining flavor of the beer, so dose it to match the intensity you're after.

Brewing Applications

Special B is a staple ingredient in many Belgian and dark ale styles, including:

• Belgian Dubbel
• Belgian Quadrupel
• Belgian Dark Strong Ale
• Oud Bruin
• Brown Ale
• English Barleywine
• Imperial Stout

It is also used in small amounts to add dark-fruit complexity to porters, stouts, and holiday ales.

Usage Recommendations

Due to its intense flavor contribution, Special B is typically used at 2–8% of the total grain bill. Lower percentages add subtle dried-fruit depth and color, while higher percentages create the bold raisin and plum character that defines classic Belgian dark ales.

Pair it with Belgian candi sugar and an abbey yeast strain for an authentic dubbel, or combine it with chocolate malt to add fruit complexity to dark English styles.

Specifications

• PPG (Points Per Pound Per Gallon): 31
• Color: 130 °Lovibond
• Flavor Notes: Raisin, dark fruit, plum, toffee
• Usage Rate: 2–8% of grain bill
• Beer Styles: Dubbels, quads, dark strong ales, brown ales

Whether you're crafting a traditional dubbel, building a complex quadrupel, or adding dark-fruit depth to a stout, Special B provides the signature raisin-and-plum richness that defines Belgium's greatest dark ales.