Crystal 120

Dark Caramel Intensity • Raisin and Plum Complexity • The Boldest Crystal Malt

Crystal 120 is the darkest of the standard crystal malts, prized for its intense burnt-sugar caramel and pronounced dark-fruit character of raisin and plum. Deeply stewed and caramelized, it brings a layer of rich, almost sherry-like complexity that lighter crystal malts simply cannot reach.

With an extract potential of 33 PPG and a color of 120 °Lovibond, Crystal 120 delivers dramatic flavor and a deep mahogany-red color even in small doses — making it a potent ingredient that rewards restraint.

Flavor & Aroma Profile

• Intense dark caramel and burnt sugar
• Prominent raisin and plum notes
• Hints of dried dark fruit and toffee
• Deep red-brown color contribution
• Rich, lingering malty sweetness

Used sparingly, Crystal 120 adds an intriguing dark-fruit undercurrent and ruby depth; pushed harder, it dominates with heavy raisiny sweetness — wonderful in a barleywine, overwhelming in a pale ale.

Brewing Applications

Crystal 120 is a staple ingredient in many strong and dark beer styles, including:

• Barleywine
• Old Ale
• Imperial Stout
• Wee Heavy / Scotch Ale
• Imperial Red Ale
• Robust Porter

It is also used in small amounts to add dark-fruit complexity and color depth to brown ales and Belgian-inspired dark beers.

Usage Recommendations

Crystal 120 is typically used at 2–8% of the grain bill. At 2–4% it contributes color and a subtle raisin accent, while 5–8% creates the bold dark-caramel, dried-fruit richness suited to barleywines and strong ales.

Layer it over a Munich or Maris Otter base for maximum malt depth, and balance bigger additions with adequate bitterness so the sweetness doesn't take over.

Specifications

• PPG (Points Per Pound Per Gallon): 33
• Color: 120 °Lovibond
• Flavor Notes: Raisin, dark caramel, burnt sugar, plum
• Usage Rate: 2–8% of grain bill
• Beer Styles: Barleywines, old ales, imperial stouts, Scotch ales, imperial reds

Whether you're crafting a cellar-worthy barleywine, a brooding old ale, or an imperial stout with hidden depths, Crystal 120 provides the dark caramel intensity and dried-fruit complexity that make big beers memorable.