Which malt is considered the lightest?

Pilsner malt is recognized as the lightest type of malt commonly used in brewing. It is a two-row pale malt that has a low kilning temperature, resulting in a very light color, typically ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 Lovibond. This allows it to contribute a delicate, clean base to many beer styles, especially lagers. Pilsner malt is instrumental in creating a bright, crisp flavor profile often desired in lighter beers.

In contrast, Maris Otter malt, while still a pale malt, is typically richer in flavor and slightly darker in color compared to Pilsner malt, usually around 3 to 5 Lovibond. Aromatic malt is a specialty malt and provides a deeper, more robust flavor with a color range from 10 to 20 Lovibond, thus making it darker than Pilsner malt. Brown ale malt is even darker, generally used for darker ales, contributing significant color and flavor, typically around 60 to 80 Lovibond.

Thus, Pilsner malt holds the distinction of being the lightest malt due to its low color and gentle flavor contributions, making it ideal for lighter beer styles that require a clean and crisp taste.