Base malt is a type of malted grain that serves as the primary ingredient in brewing beer. It provides the essential sugars needed for fermentation, which yeast converts into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Common grains used for base malt include barley, wheat, and corn. The most widely used base malt is pale malt, which contributes a light color and mild flavor to the beer. Other types, like pilsner malt and maris otter, offer distinct characteristics that influence the final product. Base malt typically makes up the majority of the grain bill in a beer recipe.