What does a malt with a CGAI (Cask Gravities Above the Ideal) of 80% indicate?

A malt with a CGAI (Cask Gravities Above the Ideal) of 80% indicates that it released 80 grams of soluble extract per 100 grams of malt. This metric measures the efficiency and extractability of the malt's sugars during the mashing process, which is crucial for brewing. The higher the CGAI percentage, the more soluble the extract available for fermentation, which in turn can contribute to the overall quality and character of the beer.

Understanding this measurement is important for brewers, as it enables them to assess the efficacy of their malt and make informed decisions about the types and quantities of malt to use in their recipes. While considerations such as alcohol content, flavor profile, and malt type are also essential in brewing, the CGAI specifically focuses on the extract yield from the malt, which directly impacts the brewhouse efficiency and the final beer produced.