Briess CBW Dry Malt Extract (DME) Pilsen Light 1 lb Review (2026)

What it is made from

Briess lists this Pilsen Light dry malt extract as made from 99 percent Pilsen malt and 1 percent Carapils malt plus water, a composition the manufacturer calls 100 percent pure malted barley extract with no other additives. That blend is why it behaves and tastes differently from a caramel or amber extract, favoring a clean, crisp malt character over roasted or caramelized notes. Briess markets its Pilsen line as the palest brewer's grade malt extract it produces, which explains why it shows up so often as the base for light lager and pilsner recipes rather than darker ale styles.

Color and fermentability

Briess's own specifications list this extract at about 2.0 degrees Lovibond, an unusually pale figure for a malt extract and one of the lowest available commercially, alongside a listed fermentability of 75 percent and 97 percent solids. That pale color is exactly what pilsners, light lagers, and other pale styles need, since a darker extract would push the finished beer's color and flavor away from the crisp, clean profile those styles are known for. The listed fermentability means most of the extract's sugars are available to standard brewing yeast, with the remainder contributing body and mouthfeel rather than alcohol.

Batch size and typical use

A single 1 lb bag is a partial ingredient rather than a complete kit, and Briess's own batch guidance shows it takes over a pound of this extract just to hit a modest gravity in a single gallon, meaning a full 5 gallon batch at typical beer strength needs considerably more than one bag on its own. Brewers usually either combine multiple bags to reach their target original gravity or use this bag alongside other extract, specialty grains, or a partial mash on brew day. Because it is so pale and clean, it is also a popular choice specifically for building yeast starters, where only a small amount of wort is needed.

Storage

Dry malt extract is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air, and Briess advises against storing an opened bag loosely, since exposed extract will clump and can eventually spoil if enough moisture gets in. That makes it important to reseal the bag tightly after each use, ideally transferring any leftover extract to an airtight container, and to store it in a cool, dry location away from humidity. Compared with liquid malt extract, dry extract generally has a noticeably longer stable shelf life when properly sealed, which is one of its practical advantages for brewers who do not brew on a strict, predictable schedule.

Who it fits

This bag suits brewers making pilsners, light lagers, or other pale styles who want the cleanest, lightest colored dry extract base available, brewers building yeast starters ahead of brew day, or all-grain brewers looking to nudge a batch paler or adjust gravity without introducing caramel or roasted character. It is not a complete 5 gallon kit on its own, so brewers need to plan for additional extract, specialty grains, hops, and yeast to build a full recipe around it. For anyone specifically chasing a crisp, pale wort as a starting point, this is a straightforward, well documented, consistently available ingredient from an established US maltster.

Frequently asked questions