Maris Otter

Rich Biscuit Depth • Heritage English Base Malt • The Soul of British Ales

Maris Otter is the legendary English base malt, grown from a heritage barley variety that has anchored British brewing since the 1960s. It is prized for a depth of flavor ordinary pale malts can't match — rich, malty, and full of biscuit and fresh-bread character that gives English ales their signature warmth.

With an extract potential of 38 PPG and a color of 3.5 °Lovibond, Maris Otter brews slightly deeper gold than standard 2-Row while delivering excellent efficiency. That extra touch of color and flavor is exactly why brewers reach for it when malt needs to carry the beer.

Flavor & Aroma Profile

• Rich, rounded malty depth
• Warm biscuit and fresh-baked bread notes
• Gentle nutty undertones
• Subtle toasted-grain sweetness
• Full, satisfying finish with classic English character

As the percentage of Maris Otter rises, the beer gains noticeably more malt presence — at 100% of the grain bill it produces ales with a depth and breadiness that define the British tradition, while smaller shares add warmth to otherwise neutral bases.

Brewing Applications

Maris Otter is a staple ingredient in many classic British beer styles, including:

• Best Bitter and ESB
• English IPA
• English Brown Ale
• English Porter
• Oatmeal Stout
• Barleywine

It is also a favorite upgrade in American pale ales and IPAs when brewers want a maltier, more characterful backbone behind the hops.

Usage Recommendations

Maris Otter can make up to 100% of the grain bill, and in traditional English ales it usually does. Lower percentages blended with domestic 2-Row add an English accent; an all-Maris-Otter base delivers the full rich, biscuity signature.

Pair it with East Kent Goldings or Fuggle hops and a classic English yeast like S-04 for an authentic cask-style profile.

Specifications

• PPG (Points Per Pound Per Gallon): 38
• Color: 3.5 °Lovibond
• Flavor Notes: Biscuit, bready, malty, rich
• Usage Rate: Up to 100% of grain bill
• Beer Styles: Bitters, English IPAs, brown ales, porters, stouts, barleywines

Whether you're crafting a proper best bitter, an old-school English IPA, or simply upgrading your pale ale's malt backbone, Maris Otter delivers the rich, biscuity character that defines great British beer.