The term “heirloom barley variety” resonates with many brewers, conjuring visions of unique beer flavors and aromas. Maris Otter is one such heirloom. A child of ‘66, it challenges the definition of “heirloom”, and its reputed properties are inextricably bound with terroir (it can legally be grown only under contract in England) and process (floor malting). Maltsters and farmers may not embrace the heirloom idea as wholeheartedly as brewers – unless compensated for yield penalties and process challenges. In this panel discussion, we will describe our voyage toward creating a modern heirloom variety – the New World Otter Lontra. Panelists will share perspectives on barley and climate change, ongoing beer sensory analyses, pneumatic malting vs. floor malting, and prospects for commercialization of the variety. We will leave ample time for questions and discussion.

Speakers

Dr. Patrick Hayes is a Professor at Oregon State University. His research team focuses on barley – in its many forms and uses. Current research areas include the development of winter and facultative habit malting barley varieties; the many facets of winter hardiness; dissection of quantitative disease resistance; characterization and utilization of genetic diversity; stimulating local barley production; development of multi-use naked barley for organic and conventional systems; exploring the contributions of barley genotype to beer flavor; and barley quality assessment. The OSU Barley Project has released 21 varieties/germplasms, developed 24 mapping populations/panels, distributed approximately 22 metric tons of barley seed, published 175 papers in refereed journals, and authored 13 book chapters. He has taught Plant Genetics to approximately 1,400 students: most graduate with a keen appreciation for the complexity and power of genetics. He has served as Major Professor/co-Major Professor for 36 graduate students, mentored 11 post-docs, and hosted 24 visiting scientists from 15 countries.

Campbell Morrissy has been in the brewing and distilling industry since 2011, working in facilities ranging from a small mountain town brewpub to a nationally distributed craft whiskey distillery, and currently as the Head Brewer at pFriem Family Brewers in Hood River, Oregon. Simultaneously he is a Ph.D. Candidate at Oregon State University under Dr. Pat Hayes in the Barley World lab. His research focuses on barley genotype contribution to malt quality and malt and beer flavor. He is passionate about continuing education and is active with the Brewers Association the Master Brewers Association of the Americas.

Scott Fisk is a Senior Faculty Research Assistant with the Oregon State University Barley Breeding Program. As the research maltster and manager of all field-based operations he is involved in all aspects of the program including disease resistance, winter hardiness, and end-use quality, all with the end goal of developing better barley for better beer and spirits.

Darrin Culp is Superintendent of Agriculture at the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Intermountain Research and Extension Center (IREC) in Tulelake, CA.  In the past two decades, irrigation water has become a major source of contention in the Klamath Basin.  IREC has conducted numerous studies related to farming in drier conditions but is still considered an ideal location for research related to irrigated fields and vegetable crops produced in Intermountain Region.  Annually, the center conducts around 50 research trials related to small grains, alfalfa, grass hay, potatoes, onions, and peppermint.  His job as superintendent is to carry out the day-to-day management of these trials by planting, applying treatments, harvesting, and collecting data requested by the various researchers who have trials at IREC.  Recently, mild winter conditions have contributed to less snowpack and limited irrigation water availability has become the new normal.  Winter grains have gained a lot of interest among basin producers since they can more readily capture winter moisture compared to spring grain types.  The Klamath Basin has a long history of producing high-quality malting barley and these factors may lead to winter barley becoming a more prominent fixture in the landscape.       

Curtis Davenport co-founded Admiral Maltings in 2017 with Ron Silberstein and Dave McLean and is Admiral’s Head Maltster. Prior to opening Admiral, Curtis grew organic fruits, vegetables, barley, and wheat in Santa Barbara County, CA. Curtis began floor malting inside a converted shipping container in 2013 and has been a member of the Craft Maltster’s Guild ever since. Curtis and his wife, Maddie, live in Oakland, where they like to ride bikes, make wine, and eat pizza with friends.

Registration

Registration is free for Craft Maltsters Guild members & $20 for non-Craft Maltsters Guild members.

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Webinars take place using Zoom, a web-based platform. Access to high-speed internet is necessary to fully participate – and a headset with a microphone is recommended. A confirmation email containing Zoom Meeting details will be sent to you after you’ve registered.

Have questions? Please contact [email protected].