When? Thursday, October 14th from 3-4 PM Eastern

What? Craft malt can be a significant point of differentiation for a distiller’s brand. This panel will introduce distillers to the Craft Maltsters Guild and all the resources they provide. Learn how to find craft malt producers in your area, how craft malt is produced, and ways you can leverage the Craft Malt Certified ® seal to distinguish your products on the shelf. The session will end with a crash course in interpreting malt certificate of analysis (COA), and testimonies from a distiller successfully utilizing craft malt in their vodka, gin, and whiskey.

Who?

Jesse Bussard is the Executive Director of the Craft Maltsters Guild. Previous to her work with the Guild, Jesse wrote about craft beer, agriculture, and conservation-related topics for over a decade. Additionally, she has co-founded and organized some of Montana’s best craft beer events. Jesse is also a member of the Montana Chapter of Pink Boots Society and the North American Guild of Beer Writers.

Hannah Turner has been involved in plant science research for the past decade, receiving both bachelor’s and Masters’s distinctions, and has acted as Director of the Montana State University Barley, Malt & Brewing Quality Lab since 2016. Hannah’s research career began with the investigation of the pathways leading to starch production in plants while her current role revolves around malting and making grain starch accessible for the brewing and distilling process. MSU’s Barley, Malt & Brewing Quality Lab performs both research and service, providing data for the Universities’ Barley Breeding Program and industry members across the barley value network. Research focuses include innovative projects such as improved barley for craft malting, barley and malt flavor, and improved throughput analysis for breeding program selection. Hannah works closely with the American Society of Brewing Chemist’s Technical Committee, leading the Malt Subcommittee which works to develop and streamline methodologies for malt quality analysis. Hannah also serves as chair for the Guild’s Technical Committee, which develops educational and practical tools for the industry. When not in the lab, Hannah spends time enjoying Montana with her husband and three-year-old.

Jason Parker is Co-Owner and President of Copperworks Distilling Company, a craft distillery located on the downtown Seattle waterfront. Jason began his career in the alcohol industry in 1989 helping open iconic craft brewers in the Seattle area, including Pike Place Brewery, Fish Brewing, and Pyramid Breweries. Copperworks was launched in 2013 with co-owner, Micah Nutt (a long-time homebrewing friend), to explore the flavor possibilities of brewing a high-quality malt-based craft beer (without hops) then distilling that into fine spirits. Besides barley-based beverages, Jason enjoys playing bluegrass mandolin, hiking, and traveling with his girlfriend, and rock climbing.

How Much? Complimentary to Ameican Craft Spirits Association members, $59 for nonmembers