So I belong to a grain co-op. Usually works great but this time I orderdered 27.5 lbs of carapils. The (so called) carapils was from Great Western and I split a bag with a dude who is pretty straight up.. When I got my grains they were noticiably roasted (near 60L compared). The grains are bigger then the other stuff I have ever gotten and obviously carmelized. When I asked the guy about it he told me the 55 lb bag was unopened and said Carapils on the side. I have not ever used Great Western before but this can't be right.. I'm sure I can use the grain, but I dont know what it really is. I have brewed with carapils for a long enough time to know that what I have is not carapils! Has anyone used Great Western carapils before? If so, am I missing something?

Is it a Briess malt, and is there an EBC rating on the bag?

I think that carapils are meant to be slightly caramelised/roasted, though less so than crystal grains. I have used them before to add body/richness/sweetness by steeping half a pound or so in a litre of hot water for 15 minutes and then straining the water into the wort (in the same way I use crystal and black grain.) Of course all-grain brewers may use them differently,

J.