Malt Extract (LME & DME)

Liquid and dry malt extracts (LME & DME) are used in partial mash and all-grain brewing for many reasons such as to boost alcohol content, adjust flavor, improve body and head retention, propagate yeast (yeast starter), and adjust color. For all-grain brewing, homebrewers will use DME and LME frequently to boost gravity when efficiencies are low or to make up for grain capacity limits when brewing high gravity beers. For partial mash (AKA mini-mash) brewers, LME and DME are used primarily to replace a large percentage of base malt (i.e. pale malt, 2 row, pilsen, etc. and subsequently reduce the amount of grain needed to brew beer without impacting flavor.