When it comes to using biscuit malt in your beer, it's important to find the right balance. Too much biscuit malt can overpower the other flavors in your beer, while too little may not provide enough of that delicious biscuity goodness.
In a five gallon batch, I find that around one pound of biscuit malt is the maximum amount you would want to use. This equates to about 10% of the grist by weight. This might seem like a lot, but keep in mind that biscuit malt has a strong flavor and a little goes a long way.
If you're looking for a more subtle biscuit flavor, you can use about a half a pound or even a quarter of a pound in your five gallon batch. This will still give you some of that complementary, biscuit malt character without overwhelming the other flavors in your beer.
Personally, I've used biscuit malt in a variety of beer styles, from pale ales to stouts, and have found that around a quarter to a half a pound works well in most cases. It adds a nice depth and complexity to the beer without being too dominant.
When using biscuit malt, it's also important to consider the other grains in your recipe. Biscuit malt pairs well with other specialty malts like caramel or chocolate malts, as well as with base malts like pale malt. Finding the right combination of malts will help to create a well-rounded and balanced beer.
In terms of flavor, biscuit malt brings a toasty, nutty, and slightly sweet character to your beer. It can also contribute a hint of breadiness, reminiscent of freshly baked biscuits. This flavor profile can work well in a wide range of beer styles, adding complexity and depth.
When using biscuit malt in your beer, it's best to start with a modest amount and adjust to taste. One pound (or around 10% of the grist by weight) is about the most you would ever want to use in a five gallon batch. However, a half or a quarter of a pound can be enough to get some of that complementary, biscuit malt goodness. Experimentation and personal preference will ultimately guide you to find the perfect amount for your desired flavor profile. Cheers!