It was a busy summer for our membership, and it showed in malt in the media mentions. To keep up with the latest, read– or listen— on!
New Winter Malting Barley
Barley breeding always has a long-term horizon, and we are excited to read in Spectrum Local News that the folks at Cornell University have released a new winter barley, LakeEffect. The variety is resilient to New York winters, and “had higher grain yields, kernel weight and malt extract” than other varieties produced by the breeding program. The variety was grown for certified seed this crop year, and will be available to farmers to grow for malting in crop year 2026. Beyond all the positive attributes winter barley will bring to the environment, it should also meet the New York state brewery licensing requirements to use primarily ingredients grown in-state.
Grain Supply Chain Spotlights
Read this interesting piece in the Sun Journal about the Blue Ox Malthouse’s journey in bringing together farmers and their customers in Maine. It’s been a long road to create stronger supply chains and keep dollars in the local economy.
A recent All About Beer podcast episode “dives into the meaning of local” for a discussion of how to use storytelling to bring the attributes of local terroir to the attention of consumers. The podcast breaks down what several small breweries and wineries in Virginia are doing to bring sustainable practices to the attention of consumers, including Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery’s Craft Malt Certified™ beers. Listen to the full pod here.
Local ingredients, Local Economies
Listen here! All About Beer’s Nano Brew Podcast #66 ”Innovations in the Malt Industry” highlights some malt industry discussions and includes interviews with Blue Ox Malthouse’s Ian Goering and The Craft Maltsters Guild’s Executive Director Steve Kurowski (19:10). A lively discussion outlines the opportunities available in a maturing craft beer and distilling industry by working with craft malthouses and their farmers. Find out more about what new products are available in the market, and how your dollars can be better spent locally to enhance your company’s footprint and storytelling. The podcast concludes with some teasers for Craft Malt Month.
Made With Craft Malt
Idaho brewery Bert’s Brewing was featured on Idaho News 6 by using local ingredients when possible, and appreciates the local malt from Guild member Montana Craft Malt. A top seller at the Brewery, the Pacific Coast Hopway brand features Idaho grown hops and Montana malt.
In the Loveland Reporter-Herald, Root Shoot Malting announced that their whiskey, made with 100% Colorado ingredients, will be distributed throughout the state! Read more here.
National Indigenous Times reports that Three Tails Brewery in Australia has released a new beer to celebrate native Australian ingredients. Using organic, local malt from Voyager Craft Malt, the brewery collaborated with Indigiearth, a native food business, to produce a Sour Pale ale. Three Tails is embracing many local ingredients in this beer, also using native lemon aspen and wild-foraged yeast. Read more here.
Showcasing Craft Maltsters Guild Programming
Read a recap of MaltCon2025 in February in the Distiller Magazine. In this piece, Hillary Barile, of Rabbit Hill Farms discusses the importance of our organization. With so many variables in our local, national and international economies, the work of the Guild in helping member companies to guide the path forward will be crucial to the survival of a small business.
Happy Craft Malt Month! Thanks to the Beer In Front podcast for featuring this industry-wide celebration with a great discussion with Troubadour Maltings, and Craft Spirits Magazine for spreading the good word about this month’s activities.
DramFace, DC Beer, the Breaking Bourbon website, and SIP Magazine are also among many who have covered Craft Malt Month! Find even more at craftmaltmonth.com.