Functional malts are designed to influence specific technical aspects of brewing. Rather than focusing on colour or flavour contributions, they support the structure and performance of your beer. They can improve foam formation and retention, enhance mouthfeel and body, and support a smoother mash process with better filtration and lautering.
At the same time, functional malts can help fine-tune mash pH and contribute subtle background character without overpowering the base. Their role is often understated, yet they make a clear difference in both process efficiency and the final result in the glass.
Platinum Swaen© Dextrin: body and foam stability
Platinum Swaen® Dextrin is a functional malt designed to enhance body, mouthfeel and foam stability without increasing alcohol or adding noticeable colour. This malt is rich in unfermentable sugars (dextrins) that remain in the finished beer after fermentation.
These dextrins contribute to a fuller body and improved beer structure, helping support stable foam formation and long-lasting head retention. The result is a beer with a smoother texture and a more satisfying mouthfeel.
- Improves foam stability.
- Adds mouthfeel in low-ABV beers.
- Balances highly attenuated styles.
It works especially well in Pale Lager, Pilsner, Pale Ale, non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beers. A small addition goes a long way.
Platinum Swaen© Chit: natural performance boost
Platinum Swaen© Chit is a highly under-modified malt, specially developed to enhance foam stability and improve mouthfeel. Produced through a shortened germination process, this malt retains a high proportion of high molecular weight proteins – the key contributors to long-lasting, stable foam in beer.
- Better foam stability and retention.
- Gives beers a fuller, creamier texture.
- Compensates foam-negative ingredients and adjuncts.
This is a great choice when working with challenging grists, such as high adjunct recipes. It also helps maintain a fresh, stable head on the finished beer.
Platinum Swaen© Smoke: subtle complexity
To create the distinctive flavour of Platinum Swaen© Smoke, we smoke the malt over traditional beech wood. This careful process infuses the grains with a rich, smoky character that’s instantly recognisable in both aroma and taste.
As soon as you open the bag, you’ll notice that signature smokiness – and it doesn’t stop there. Your mash will take on that subtle, campfire-like scent, setting the stage for a truly flavourful brew.
- Creates layered flavour profiles.
- Adds a unique twist to classic styles.
- Enhances complexity in dark or amber beers.
The key is balance. Keep the dosage low to let the smoke support, not dominate.
Platinum Swaen© Sauer: precise pH control
Platinum Swaen© Sauer is a functional barley malt acidified with natural lactobacilli, specifically designed to help brewers fine-tune their mash pH. By gently lowering the pH during mashing, this malt improves enzyme activity, optimises starch conversion, and supports a more efficient, balanced fermentation.
- Stables mash pH.
- Improves enzyme efficiency.
- Provides a cleaner flavour profile.
This malt is especially useful when brewing with soft water or high levels of pale malt. Instead of adding acids, you adjust your pH through the grist itself.
How to use functional malts effectively
Functional malts are most effective when used with a clear purpose. Rather than adding them by default, it is better to consider what your beer needs and how these malts can support that goal. Think about the style you are brewing, the behaviour of your mash, and the balance you want to achieve in the final beer.
Your water profile and process conditions also play an important role. A beer brewed with soft water, for example, may benefit more from pH adjustment, while a highly attenuated beer might need extra body and foam support. By aligning your malt choices with these factors, you gain much more control over the outcome.
In practice, it is best to start with small additions and adjust based on experience. Functional malts are subtle but powerful tools, and even small changes can have a noticeable impact on performance and drinkability.
Final thoughts on functional malts
Functional malts give you precision. They help you fine-tune your beer without changing its core identity. Whether you want better foam, smoother mouthfeel, or improved mash performance, they offer a practical solution.
By using Platinum Swaen© Dextrin, Chit, Smoke, and Sauer, you can take greater control of your brewing process. The result is more consistent, more balanced, and ultimately better beer.
Not sure where to start with functional malts? Whether you’re after better foam, a fuller body, or tighter pH control, there’s a Platinum Swaen© malt built for the job. Explore the full functional malts range – or contact our team to talk through your recipe.
