Craft Maltsters Guild Recaps MaltCon2025

DENVER, CO– The Craft Maltsters Guild reported international attendance and the largest Malt Cup competition yet from MaltCon2025, the organization’s annual conference and trade expo.

The only malt industry gathering of its kind, MaltCon began with the Advance Class in Malt Production. This four-day intensive course had 14 participants hailing from Australia, France, Mexico, and the United States.

The conference, which took place in Denver this year, had attendees from nine countries (Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, and the United States) and expert speakers who represented the entire grain supply chain— from farming and malting, to brewing and distilling, and many members of the agricultural research community. In total there were 97 participants, including professionals from 30 malthouses, three breweries, one distillery, 10 industry suppliers, and eight research institutions. 

2025 MALT CUP

Each year at MaltCon, esteemed judges complete the final of three rounds of blind judging for the Malt Cup— a prestigious malt quality competition that determines the best malt in the world. This year, there were more entries into the competition than ever before (34 malthouses from seven countries submitted 112 malt samples), as well as two new categories (Distillers Malt and Unique Malt) to create a total of eight malt styles judged. 

Congratulations to Maine’s Blue Ox Malthouse, named best in show in this points-based competition. Their team returned home with the traveling Malt Cup trophy. 

The 2025 Malt Cup winners are as follows: 

PILSEN⁠ (20 entries)

⁠Bronze: Cold Stream Malt & Grain, malted in partnership with Montana Craft Malt

Silver: Cascadia Malts

Gold: Red Shed Malting

⁠PALE MALT⁠ (13 entries)

⁠Bronze: Two Track Malting⁠

Silver: Red Shed Malting

Gold: Voyager Craft Malt

⁠VIENNA⁠ (13 entries)

⁠Bronze: ND Malting & Hops

Silver: Murmuration Malts

Gold: Admiral Maltings

⁠LIGHT MUNICH⁠ (12 entries)

⁠Bronze: Two Track Malting

Silver: Root Shoot Malting

Gold: Blue Ox Malthouse

WHEAT⁠ (15 entries)

⁠Bronze: Admiral Maltings

Silver: South Fork Malthouse⁠

Gold: LINC Malt

⁠CARAMEL⁠ (11 entries)

⁠Bronze: New York Craft Malt

Silver: Root Shoot Malting

Gold: Blue Ox Malthouse

⁠DISTILLERS MALT⁠ (9 entries) 

⁠Bronze: Cascadia Malts

Silver: Troubadour Maltings

Gold: Root Shoot Malting

UNIQUE MALT⁠ (19 entries)

Honorable Mention: Voyager Craft Malt

Bronze: Root Shoot Malting

Silver: Red Shed Malting

Gold: Grouse Malt House

SOLES OF MALT AWARD 

The Soles Of Malt, created in memory of craft maltster William Soles, stands for selfless and philanthropic stewardship of the craft malt industry. Each year, a selection committee considers a wide range of craft malt community members to make this tough decision. Congratulations to the 2025 Soles of Malt Award recipient, Brent Manning, the Co-Founder of Riverbend Malt House. Manning was one of the founding members of the Craft Maltsters Guild who served on the Board of Directors for 10 years, four of them as President. Manning and his team have also demonstrated incredible resilience and support for their community in Western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene. 

SPONSORS 

MaltCon is made possible by generous organizations committed to the work of the Craft Maltsters Guild. Thank you to the MaltCon2025 sponsors. 

Platinum Sponsor

Yingtai Machinery

Gold Sponsors

Kaspar Schulz

Malters Advantage

Buehler

Silver Sponsors

ABM Equipment

Walinga

Montana State University

Hartwick College

Metropolitan State University

Bronze Sponsors

Root Shoot Malting

IKA Lab Equipment

Resilient Freight Solutions

SPECIAL THANKS

The Guild extends recognition to Hannah Ulhmann, Director of the Montana State University Barley and Malt Quality Lab. Through her leadership, the lab has been the official Malt Cup partner since its inception. Thanks to Ulhmann for her ongoing dedication and work to elevate this competition year over year. 

Media inquiring about the Craft Maltsters Guild or MaltCon2025 can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT THE CRAFT MALTSTERS GUILD

Formed in 2013, the Craft Maltsters Guild’s mission is to promote and sustain the tradition of craft malting in North America, provide services and resources to the Association’s members, and uphold the highest quality and safety standards for Craft Maltsters. Learn more about the Craft Maltsters Guild at www.craftmalting.com. 

Craft Maltsters Guild Announces Inaugural Craft Malt Month, Slated For September 2024

NATIONAL— The Craft Maltsters Guild is excited to announce the expansion of the annual Craft Malt Week into Craft Malt Month in September of 2024. This is an excellent opportunity for the entire craft malt supply chain to showcase its talents and celebrate the craftsmanship of malt production. 

During previous Malt Weeks, members have invited customers to events, tours, and classes centered on craft malt. Now, they have an entire month to execute these educational activities; not to mention serve collaboration beers, cocktails, and spirits made across the continent in support of the Craft Maltsters Guild. Look for these events and collaborations to begin populating the calendar at craftmaltmonth.com, and check back often for updates.

Media interested in covering Craft Malt Month and learning more about the Craft Malt Revolution are encouraged to join a virtual Craft Malt Month press conference on Thursday, August 22 at 1pm Mountain Time. Meet the Craft Maltsters Guild’s new Executive Director Steve Kurowski and leading malting experts who will share story ideas at this event. Join here. 

All are encouraged to join the conversation by using the #CraftMaltMonth hashtag and tagging the Guild @craftmalting on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and X throughout September.

For more information about Craft Malt Month, visit craftmaltmonth.com. Media inquiring about Craft Malt Month and the Craft Maltsters Guild can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT THE CRAFT MALTSTERS GUILD

Formed in 2013 by eight craft malthouses, the Craft Maltsters Guild’s mission is to promote and sustain the tradition of craft malting in North America, provide services and resources to the Association’s members, and uphold the highest quality and safety standards for Craft Maltsters. Learn more about the Craft Maltsters Guild at www.craftmalting.com.

Craft Maltsters Guild Announces 2024 Malt Cup Winners In MaltCon2024 Recap

DAVIS, CA – The Craft Malt Conference (aka MaltCon) took place at the University of California Davis in February. Organized by the Craft Maltsters Guild, the conference serves to gather stakeholders and grow the market for regional, artisanally-produced malted grain in geographies around North America and beyond. The Craft Maltsters Guild is pleased to report on its international attendance, six scholarship recipients, host of Malt Cup winners, and the recipient of the Soles of Malt award.

The conference itself consisted of two days of networking and technical sessions with some of the industry’s leading experts. Pre-conference events included a four-day Advanced Class in Craft Malt Production; a day of malt quality judging for the Malt Cup; and a welcome reception at Admiral Maltings in Alameda, where participants could tour a production-scale floor malting operation while sampling dozens of beverages made with craft malt from around the United States.

More than 150 individuals from 11 countries participated in this year’s conference across virtual and in-person formats. Of those, more than 120 attendees traveled from North America, Europe, and Asia to participate in the in-person programming

Approximately one third of MaltCon2024 participants represented malting operations. Brewery and distillery producers comprised about 9 percent of attendees. The remaining participants were university researchers, professors, sponsors and other allied trade professionals, and members of the media. Six farm operators were in attendance. 

Six scholarship recipients participated in this year’s conference:  Don Tse, Lee Dongwook & Katherine Olson (shared), Angelo Ruiz, Rodney Zinyemba, and LaShanda Poteat. Meet the 2024 scholars here. 

2024 MALT CUP 

The Craft Maltsters Guild’s Malt Cup remains the world’s only malt quality competition, inviting maltsters of all shapes and sizes to compete for the best malt in various common categories. This year’s Malt Cup expanded to six categories: Caramel, Light Munich, Pale Malt, Pilsen, Vienna, and Wheat. Entries in these categories came from 26 malthouses in five countries. Malt Cup entries were scored in three rounds by 70 judges, a process facilitated by the Montana State University Barley, Malt & Brewing Quality Lab, and DraughtLab. 

Congratulations to Hogarth Malt, named Best in Show in the 2024 competition, who took the coveted traveling Malt Cup home with them to Alberta, Canada.

Here are the medal-winning malthouses by category:

Pilsen

• Gold – Hogarth Malt - Olds, Alberta

• Silver – Blue Ox Malthouse - Lisbon Falls, Maine

• Bronze – 3D Malt - Camrose, Alberta

Pale Malt

• Gold – Malteria Italiana Artigianale - Perugia, Italy

• Silver – Field Five Farm - Saanichton, BC

• Bronze – Root Shoot Malting - Loveland, Colorado

Vienna

• Gold – 3D Malt

• Silver – Murmuration Malts - Bloomfield, New York

• Bronze – Admiral Maltings - Alameda, California 

Light Munich

• Gold – Root Shoot Malting

• Silver – Hogarth Malt

• Bronze – Field Five Farm

Caramel

• Gold – Troubadour Maltings - 

• Silver – Red Shed Malting - Red Deer County, Alberta

• Bronze – Blue Ox Malthouse

Wheat

• Gold – Root Shoot Malting

• Silver – Riverbend Malt House - Asheville, North Carolina 

• Bronze – LINC Malt - Spokane Valley, WA

Watch the replay of the 2024 Awards Ceremony at maltcon.online. 

SOLES OF MALT AWARD

Given annually over the past seven years, The Soles Of Malt award was created in memory of craft maltster William Soles and stands for selfless and philanthropic stewardship of craft malt. Each year, a selection committee considers a wide range of craft malt community members and ultimately must make a tough decision. Congratulations to the 2024 Soles of Malt Award recipient, Dr. Patrick Hayes, Professor Emeritus at Oregon State University, who was nominated by multiple Guild members this year for his work furthering malt education, developing new barley varietals, and establishing the OSU Research Malthouse– among many other milestones in his career. Hayes says he’s been privileged to work with an evolving team of colleagues at Barley World until his retirement in 2023. 

SPEAKERS

The Craft Maltsters Guild extends gratitude to the 2024 Craft Malt Conference keynote speakers Dr. Patrick Hayes and Dr. Xiang Yin, Vice President for Corporate Quality and Innovation at the Rahr Corporation in Minnesota; and all of the experts who contributed their insights and research to this year’s programming. Speakers represented various roles in the small grains supply chain and intersecting industries, including barley breeders, farmers, maltsters, brewers, distillers, professors, students, and scientists. 

SPONSORS 

The Craft Malt Conference is made possible by generous organizations committed to supporting our members with their contributions. 

Presenting Partners

Malters Advantage

GlycoSpot

Supporting Partners

Kaspar Schulz

Laizhou Yingtai Machinery Co., Ltd

Buhler Group

Valued Partners

MSU Barley, Malt & Brewing Lab

RadCraft

Sudwerk Brewing Company

 Community Partner

Admiral Maltings  

SPECIAL THANKS

A special thank you is owed to several individuals who contributed substantial volunteer support via the Guild’s Conference Planning Committee: Harmonie Bettenhausen of Hartwick College, Campbell Morrissy of pFriem Family Brewers & Oregon State University, Glen Fox of UC Davis, and Curtis Davenport of Admiral Maltings. Harmonie and Campbell were particularly influential in the development of the conference program. Glen provided key support on behalf of the conference venue. Curtis ensured that conference attendees left feeling inspired about the impact and potential of regional craft malting facilities.

Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about the Craft Maltsters Guild or the 2024 conference. Media assets are available for download here.

ABOUT THE CRAFT MALTSTERS GUILD

Formed in 2013 by eight craft malthouses, the Craft Maltsters Guild’s mission is to promote and sustain the tradition of craft malting in North America, provide services and resources to the Association’s members, and uphold the highest quality and safety standards for Craft Maltsters. Learn more about the Craft Maltsters Guild at www.craftmalting.com. 

MaltCon2024 Registration Open and Speakers Announced; Dr. Patrick Hayes and Dr. Xiang Yin To Keynote

Photo courtesy University of California, Davis

NATIONAL— Early bird registration is now open for MaltCon2024, the largest international gathering of malt professionals that will take place on February 23-24, 2024. 

The Craft Maltsters Guild is pleased to announce that Dr. Patrick Hayes of the Barley Project at Oregon State University (OSU) and Dr. Xiang Yin of Boortmalt/Prairie Malt will keynote the conference. Hayes, who just transitioned to Professor Emeritus of Barley Breeding and Genetics after working at OSU since 1986, was integral in the establishment of the OSU Research Malthouse and the development of the Thunder and Lightning, and now Lontra barley varieties, among many other milestones. Yin, whose experience in the industry includes working as the Global Director of Brewing Raw Materials Global Technical Director with Prairie Malt/Cargill Malt, is a past president of American Society of Brewing Chemists (ASBC), and is a fellow of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. Early in his career, he taught malting and brewing at China's Jiangnan University. Yin will share sustainable malting practices and technologies to reduce environmental impact while producing high-quality craft malt. 

Hayes and Yin will be joined by more than 20 other speakers who are slated to present their expertise across all segments of the grain supply chain— from seeding and breeding to malting, brewing, and distilling. The full schedule will be announced on maltcon.online over the coming weeks. 

MaltCon2024 will kick off with a Welcome Reception at The Rake at Admiral Maltings. Guests at this event can take a tour of the malthouse, sample thirteen collaborative beers made with craft malt from all over the country for the occasion, and enjoy a meal with friends. Multiple ticket types for this event include dinner, transportation to and from the event from Davis. Purchase tickets at maltcon.online.

Craft Maltsters Guild member, non-member and student pricing for both in-person and virtual conference participation is available on maltcon.online. All are encouraged to register early. Again this year, the Guild is offering a Malt Conference scholarship program to provide equitable access to education and opportunities in the craft malt industry. Applications for the in-person scholarship are due December 5, 2023, and applications for the virtual scholarship are due January 15, 2024. Learn more and apply at craftmalting.com. 

Entities interested in sponsoring the conference can contact Alice Blayne-Allard at director@craftmalting.com. 

Media interested in participating in MaltCon2024 can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com. 

ABOUT THE CRAFT MALTSTERS GUILD

Formed in 2013 by eight craft malthouses, the Craft Maltsters Guild’s mission is to promote and sustain the tradition of craft malting in North America, provide services and resources to the Association’s members, and uphold the highest quality and safety standards for Craft Maltsters. Learn more about the Craft Maltsters Guild at www.craftmalting.com.

Craft Maltsters Guild Accepting 2024 Malt Cup Submissions Through October 13

NATIONAL— The Craft Maltsters Guild invites malthouses from across the globe to participate in the only malt competition in the world, this year with an expanded six categories. .

The 2024 Malt Cup presented by the Craft Maltsters Guild is taking submissions from September 24th to October 13th. This year the Malt Cup has expanded to six categories including Pilsen, Pale Malt, Light Munich, Vienna, Wheat Malt, and Caramel Malt. The sixth annual Malt Cup takes place at the University of California Davis Conference Center in Northern California. 

Any Craft Maltsters Guild Member Malthouse, Allied Trade, or International Malthouse Member in good standing may enter. The cost per entry for Craft Maltsters Guild Members and International Malthouse Members is $150, or $300 for Allied Trade. Each participant is limited to one entry per category, with unlimited total entries. Each submission must contain three pounds of malt. Enter your malt at https://beerawardsplatform.com. 

The Malt Cup is the only competition of its kind and gives maltsters the opportunity to obtain valuable analytical and sensory feedback on their malts. Participants not only have a chance to win accolades but will also receive—

• A full report of Certificates of Analyses (COAs) for entries in each category participated in. Entries are blind coded so maltsters can ID the data for their own malt, while getting a comparison to the malts across the full entry field. Malt COAs are provided by the competition's official partner, Montana State University’s Barley, Malt, & Brewing Quality Lab. The COA data is valued at over $100 alone, while the ability to review the data from the full competition field is priceless. Note: All entries remain anonymous. 

• Sensory feedback report (for malts passing the scrutiny of the analytical round). Entries which advance are sent around the country to judge panels made up of industry professionals, including maltsters, brewers, distillers, researchers, journalists, and Cicerones. The Malt Cup is proud to partner with the Beer Judge Certification Program to source high quality judges for the competition. A comprehensive sensory report is generated for each malt and provided back to participants.·

• Sensory and COA feedback (for malts advancing to the Best of Show judging). Entries which advance to the final round will receive additional feedback including evaluations of the malt COAs, raw malt, and wort.·

• Winning malts (Gold, Silver, Bronze), in each category will receive a beautiful handmade medal. The competition has partnered with Aaron Maki of Old Hand Design to provide these handcrafted awards.·

• Best of Show trophy. Of the Gold winning malts, the single highest scoring entry will take home the traveling Malt Cup. Each year this trophy represents bragging rights for the top malt and malthouse.

Entry guidelines, malt style categories, judging criteria, and methodology can be accessed through the BAP website, where you can also sign up to be a judge or steward at the conference.

Media inquiring about the Malt Cup or the Craft Maltsters Guild can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT THE CRAFT MALTSTERS GUILD

Formed in 2013 by eight craft malthouses, the Craft Maltsters Guild’s mission is to promote and sustain the tradition of craft malting in North America, provide services and resources to the Association’s members, and uphold the highest quality and safety standards for Craft Maltsters. Learn more about the Craft Maltsters Guild at www.craftmalting.com. 

Craft Maltsters Guild Shares 2023 State of the Industry Update

NATIONAL— In recognition of National Craft Malt Week (September 22-29, 2023) and the ten-year anniversary of the trade association for the small grains movement, the Craft Maltsters Guild membership met this week to introduce the Guild’s new Executive Director Alice Blayne-Allard and share the results of its recent malthouse survey. 

Blayne-Allard brings with her a life-long passion for local sourcing and a breadth of malt-relevant knowledge from agricultural marketing to cooperage. Most importantly, her extensive non-profit leadership and administration experience will be instrumental in supporting the craft malt community in its next big push for market share. “I’m that consumer who goes into a brewery or distillery and asks where the grains are sourced,” she said in the meeting. “One of my key objectives is to expand consumer awareness and raise understanding of why craft malt matters.” 

The 2023 membership survey covered many topics including maltster education, products, distribution, and marketing. Here are the key takeaways from its results: 

• The majority (52%) of respondents consider themselves experts of the production or use of craft malt. “Had we taken this survey several years ago this number might have been lower,” said Brian Estes, LINC Malt Co-Owner and Partnerships Director and Vice President of the Craft Maltsters Guild Board of Directors. “Our membership continues to make tremendous strides in expertise and knowledge, which translates to knowledge and understanding of our customers too.” 

• Survey respondents distribute their products across a broad geography and in a variety of formats of finished beers and spirits. “Some malthouses are working in a hyper-local way, and many respondents are also sending malt out of state and to broader geographic regions,” said Hillary Barile, Rabbit Hill Farms Head Maltster and Board of Directors President. “That means people are appreciating craft malt not just for its hyper-locality but also for flavor, alignment of business objectives, and more.” 

Media interested in learning more about the Craft Maltsters Guild and its programs like the Craft Malt Certified™ seal and annual Craft Malt Conference can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT THE CRAFT MALTSTERS GUILD

Formed in 2013 by eight craft malthouses, the Craft Maltsters Guild’s mission is to promote and sustain the tradition of craft malting in North America, provide services and resources to the Association’s members, and uphold the highest quality and safety standards for Craft Maltsters. Learn more about the Craft Maltsters Guild at www.craftmalting.com. 

Craft Maltsters Guild Announces 2024 Craft Malt Conference Destination with Request For Session Proposals

INTERNATIONAL— The Craft Maltsters Guild has selected the University of California Davis Conference Center in Northern California as the location for the 2024 Craft Malt Conference that will be held on February 23 and 24, 2024. 

The Guild’s Board of Directors, Marketing & Events Working Group, and 2024 Craft Malt Conference Planning Committee is working in collaboration to execute this gathering of university, agriculture, malt, and beverage professionals from across the globe. The Craft Malt Conference is the only conference of its kind, offering workshops and seminars specifically focused on malt research, topics, and best practices. 

The Craft Maltsters Guild seeks proposals from professionals across the malt supply chain to present their research and expertise to our membership on topics including but not limited to agriculture and agronomy, small grains breeding, scientific research, technical and applied elements of the malting process, sensory, flavor, marketing, and industry DEI. Find the proposal requirements and submit at craftmalting.com. Submissions are due by Friday, September 8. 

More information about the 2024 Craft Malt Conference will be published in coming months. Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com to request media credentials to the conference and with queries about the Craft Maltsters Guild. 

ABOUT THE CRAFT MALTSTERS GUILD

Formed in 2013 by eight craft malthouses, the Craft Maltsters Guild’s mission is to promote and sustain the tradition of craft malting in North America, provide services and resources to the Association’s members, and uphold the highest quality and safety standards for Craft Maltsters. Learn more about the Craft Maltsters Guild at www.craftmalting.com. 

Maine’s First Maltster Blue Ox Malthouse Wins Two Prestigious Malt Cup Awards

LISBON FALLS, ME— Blue Ox Malthouse was awarded two Malt Cup awards by the Craft Maltsters Guild on March 17 at the annual Craft Malt Conference held this month in Portland, Maine. This esteemed international competition is the only recognition program of its kind for the malting grain industry. The award comes at the 10 year anniversary of Blue Ox Malthouse’s incorporation to become Maine’s first malthouse. 

Among the 90 total entries from 34 malthouses in four malt categories, Blue Ox received bronze Malt Cup awards in the Pale and Light Munich categories. Entries were scored by 200 judges that included barley breeders, brewers, distillers, maltsters, Beer Judge Certification Program participants, and Cicerones in three rounds of comprehensive analysis that included the hot steep process. 

Blue Ox’s light, clean, and crisp Pale has mild sweet and grainy aromas and is fully modified for high extract and enzyme potential. It’s malted to elevate the foundation of lighter beer styles like Kolsch, Blondes and Pales. Their Light Munich style yields lightly toasted bread crust flavors rounded by a deep biscuity sweetness with hints of peanut butter. It’s malted to build character for many beer styles. 

Both these styles are built of malting barley grown and sourced from Aroostook County Maine–consistent with Blue Ox Malthouse’s mission to support and build local robust, resilient, supply chains. Unusually, these products are also made using the traditional floor malting techniques–a hands-on artisanal approach in which grain is germinated on concrete floors and turned by hand. This method is more common in Europe and Blue Ox Malthouse is one of the few North American malthouses dedicated to using this style of production. 

Now in its fifth year, the Malt Cup is facilitated by the Craft Maltsters Guild— the trade association supporting the work of craft malthouses across the globe— in collaboration with Montana State University’s Malt Quality Lab and sensory analysis company DraughtLab. 

“We’ve known for years that we are making top quality, world-class products that present Maine and Maine grains in the best light possible. It is great to have that validated in such a competitive, high caliber competition,” says Joel Alex, Founder and CEO of Blue Ox Malthouse. Additionally Alex went on to say that “perhaps the most meaningful part for me is the recognition this gives our staff for the great work they do every day to bring these products to life. Winning for the first time while we were hosting the conference here in our home state with our tenth anniversary coming up next month is particularly special!” 

Media inquiring about Blue Ox Malthouse can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com. 

ABOUT BLUE OX MALTHOUSE 

Launched in 2013 by homebrewer and community organizer-turned-maltster Joel Alex, Blue Ox Malthouse is Maine's first malting operation. Blue Ox Malthouse seeks to push the possibilities of craft beer and spirits, and support Maine agriculture by connecting these two groups through world class quality Maine-made malt. Reinvigorating a centuries-old floor malting tradition, Blue Ox is committed to growing the connection between brewers and farmers while striving to grow more sustainable food systems and serve as a model for sustainable and rural economic development. Learn more at blueoxmalthouse.com.

Loveland Malthouse Completes a Near Sweep of International Malt Cup Awards

Image courtesy @activebeergeek; From left: Hannah Turner, MSU; Michael Myers, Root Shoot Malting; Craig Miller, Root Shoot Malting; Lindsay Barr, DraughtLab

LOVELAND, CO— On Friday, March 17, Root Shoot Malting, a 5th generation farm and craft malthouse out of Loveland, Colorado completed a near sweep of the 2023 Malt Cup awards presented at the annual Craft Malt Conference in Portland, Maine.

The Malt Cup competition, hosted by the Craft Maltsters Guild, is the only internationally recognized competition for the burgeoning craft malting industry. This year’s participants encompassed 6 countries, 19 states, and 3 provinces with representation from over 34 malthouses worldwide. The 2023 Malt Cup was the largest competition to date with 90 total entries in four malt categories: Pilsen, Pale, Vienna, and Light Munich. Malt Cup entries were scored in three rounds by 200 judges including universities, brewers, distillers, maltsters, and cicerones across 35 locations throughout the country.

Root Shoot Malting received four medals, winning gold in the Pilsen, Light Munich, and Vienna categories. They received a silver in the fourth category for their Pale Malt, and also took home the traveling Malt Cup for the overall Best in Show with their Genie Pilsen malt. Root Shoot Malting is the only craft malthouse to win an award all five years of the competition’s existence and the only malthouse to medal in every category in a single year.

“It is an absolute honor to be recognized at this level through this competition,” says Michael Myers, Root Shoot’s head maltster. “Our small team is pouring passion, energy, and thought into every step of our process and we feel that translates through to the end consumer.”

Founder and lead farmer Todd Olander agrees. “We believe our farming practices are directly linked to this year’s wins,” says Mr. Olander. “Implementing regenerative techniques and encouraging soil health allows our barley to thrive. Award-winning malt starts in the field.”

Root Shoot Malting is proud to work in the craft malt community with other talented malthouses, including this year’s other Malt Cup medalists: Admiral Maltings, Hogarth Malt, Field Five Farm, Blue Ox Malthouse, Miller Malting Company, Gallatin Valley Malt Co., and Wyoming Malting Company.

Media inquiring about Root Shoot Malting and their 2023 Malt Cup achievements can contact LeeAnne Sanders at team@rootshootmalting.com.

ABOUT ROOT SHOOT MALTING

Root Shoot Malting is a 5th-generation family farm and malthouse that supplies barley, wheat, rye, and non-GMO corn to craft breweries and distilleries throughout Colorado and beyond. Find them online at rootshootmalting.com.

Craft Maltsters Guild Transitions 2022 Craft Malt Conference to All Virtual Experience, Postpones Advanced Class

The Craft Maltsters Guild announced this week the transition of their 2022 Craft Malt Conference to an all-virtual experience for participants. This educational conference was originally slated to take place in Portland, Maine; however the recent COVID-19 case surge and lower in-person attendance numbers motivated the Guild Board of Directors to make the difficult decision to best protect the health and safety of its membership. Along with conference changes, the Advanced Class in Craft Malt Production planned to precede the event will be postponed until later in the year, with new dates yet to be determined.

The Craft Malt Conference will now take place over the course of two weekends February 18-19 and February 25-26 via Crowdcast. Due to the switch to online, there will be some adjustments to the conference schedule, but changes are expected to be minimal. The revised schedule will be posted on the Guild website in the coming week.

Attendees originally registered for the in-person conference will have their conference registration modified to a virtual registration and receive a partial refund for the cost difference. Those not interested in attending the virtual sessions can get a full refund by reaching out to the Guild.

Registration is still open for the virtual conference, with early bird pricing available through the end of January. Participants can sign up here. Registration for the virtual event will remain open until February 17, 2022.

For more  information about the virtual Craft Malt Conference to request a registration refund, contact Executive Director Jesse Bussard at director@craftmalting.com. Media interested in credentials for this event can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT THE CRAFT MALTSTERS GUILD

Formed in 2013 by eight craft malthouses, the Craft Maltsters Guild’s mission is to promote and sustain the tradition of craft malting in North America, provide services and resources to the Association’s members, and uphold the highest quality and safety standards for Craft Maltsters. Learn more about the Craft Maltsters Guild at www.craftmalting.com.

Craft Maltsters Guild Debuts Opportunity: 2022 Advanced Class in Craft Malt Production

PORTLAND, ME— The Craft Maltsters Guild will offer a four-day intensive workshop in the days leading up to the 2022 Craft Malt Conference in Portland, Maine (CMC 2022).

Startup and experienced maltsters, as well as other parties in the malt supply chain, will gain theoretical and practical knowledge in malting technology at the 2022 Advanced Class in Craft Malt Production. It will be held February 14-17, 2022 at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland, Maine, in the days leading up to the annual Craft Malt Conference. Industry veterans, Hugh Alexander, owner and operator of Scotland’s Balnamoon Maltings & Brewery, and Hannah Turner, Director of the Montana State University Barley, Malt & Brewing Quality Lab, will bring real world experience, research and data, and deep passion as instructors.

“There are few opportunities for those interested in craft malt production to learn the ins and outs of that process so they often have to learn as they go,” says Guild Executive Director Jesse Bussard. “Because of this lack of educational opportunities, the Guild has stepped in to develop classes for our members and the community-at-large to help advance the field.”

Participants will develop knowledge in malting barley and in its characteristics, including learning and controlling the different steps of the malting process; determining the defining characteristics of malt quality and the influence of processing parameters; and learning the technology and methods used to produce craft malt. They will receive a certificate of completion at the end and will be armed with knowledge that will help them further their professional pursuits.

Craft Maltsters Guild members can enjoy the discounted class fee of $1600 while the non-member rate is $2000. Register for the class here. 

Join the Craft Maltsters Guild or renew here to get the member rate.

For more information about the 2022 Advanced Class in Craft Malt Production, contact Jesse Bussard at director@craftmalting.com. 

Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about the Craft Maltsters Guild. 

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

Born and raised in Zambia, Hugh Alexander received an honors degree in Brewing and Biochemistry 1st Class from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, studying under the late great Anna Macleod. He spent years working in the research laboratories of Harp Lager (a subsidiary of Guinness) and as the Chief Chemist for Crisp Malt. Since 1984 Hugh has been engineering and producing micro malting equipment for companies worldwide including Diageo and James Hutton Institute (UK), Asahi (Japan), Nestle (Switzerland/Singapore), AB-InBev (South Africa), as well as many European and American Universities and establishments. Hugh currently owns and operates Balnamoon Maltings and Brewery, which services a local Scottish castle in the whisky production area of Speyside.

Hannah Turner is the Director of the Montana State University Barley, Malt & Brewing Quality Lab. The lab services the MSU breeding program and industry through research, outreach, education, and by providing thousands of data points each year on barley, malt, and beer. Hannah has degrees in Environmental Horticulture and Plant Science, with her M.S. focusing on the genetic control of starch production in cereals. In her current role, Hannah conducts research on important issues such as the impact of the steeping regime on malt quality, genetic control of barley endosperm hydration, and method development to improve breeding program selection for malting varieties. Hannah is dedicated to elevating the barley value chain via education and presents frequently to groups from farmer to brewer.

ABOUT THE CRAFT MALTSTERS GUILD

Formed in 2013 by eight craft malthouses, the Craft Maltsters Guild’s mission is to promote and sustain the tradition of craft malting in North America, provide services and resources to the Association’s members, and uphold the highest quality and safety standards for Craft Maltsters. Learn more about the Craft Maltsters Guild at www.craftmalting.com.

Root Shoot Malting Wins 2021 Malt Cup for Genie Pale Malt

LOVELAND, CO— Root Shoot Malting was humbled and overjoyed to take home a Malt Cup over the weekend at the annual Craft Malt Conference put on by the Craft Maltsters Guild. 2021 marks the third year of this prestigious awards program and the third consecutive year Root Shoot has won. Root Shoot is the only malthouse in the world that can now make this claim.

Root Shoot’s popular Genie Pale Malt was the bronze recipient in this year’s Pale Malt category, which had 25 entries. The 2021 Malt Cup awards evaluation was conducted by 83 international judges who completed three rounds of sensory evaluation to determine the world’s best malt.

Root Shoot’s Genie Pale Malt starts as Limagrain Cereal Seed’s award-winning Genie 2-Row, which Troubadour Malting also cultivates in their Genie Pale and also won at the Malt Cup this year. More flavorful than a traditional 2-Row base malt, this light malt has notes of bread and honey making it an excellent base malt for any style beer. 

“We value camaraderie and mentorship in our craft malting industry, and we owe this award to our peers who have helped shape us along the way,” says Emily Olander, the co-owner at Root Shoot Malting. “It takes an enormous, dedicated team to produce award-winning malt three years in a row. Many thanks to our farmers, fellow maltsters, brewers, and distillers for guiding us along the way.”  

The Root Shoot crew watched and celebrated the awards ceremony at Timnath Beerwerks in Northern Colorado. “At Timnath Beerwerks, we use local craft malt for many reasons,” says Head Brewer and Co-Owner Cy Bevenger. “Quality and freshness make the decision easy from a brewing perspective. Combine that with the relationships that the fantastic people at Root Shoot (and Troubadour too!) strive to maintain with their customers and suppliers every single day, and there is no question as to why we support this great local business.” 

Root Shoot is grateful to Montana State University, DraughtLabs, and the Craft Maltsters Guild for their savvy Malt Cup judging process, and proud to stand beside the other 2021 Malt Cup winners– Gold Rush Malt, Malteria Italiana Artigianale, Troubadour Maltings, and Admiral Malting. 

For more information about Root Shoot Malting or the company’s third Malt Cup win, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com. 

ABOUT ROOT SHOOT MALTING

Root Shoot Malting is a 5th generation family farm and craft malthouse that supplies the Rocky Mountain region with craft malt and grains. Founded by the Olander family in 2016, Root Shoot harvests barley, wheat, rye and corn to give craft brewers and distillers high-quality taste in every glass. Located on the Olander Farms’ 112-acre farm in Loveland, Colorado, and approximately 1500 leased acres, Root Shoot is working to ensure that farmland remains available to grow grains for the beers and spirits of tomorrow. Find this craft maltster online at rootshootmalting.com.

2021 Malt Cup Winners, Soles of Malt Recipient Named During First Virtual Craft Malt Conference Awards Ceremony

The Craft Maltsters Guild (CMG) is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2021 Malt Cup, as well as the recipient of the annual Soles of Malt Award. The virtual awards ceremony was broadcasted and streamed live as the finale of the best-attended Craft Malt Conference yet on February 12, for which malt enthusiasts and craft beer lovers tuned in from all over the world. 

2021 was the first time CMG hosted the conference virtually, and the first year the guild opened up this one-of-a-kind competition to international malthouses. 28 malthouses from seven countries, 17 states, and one province submitted a total of 46 entries. Altogether, this year’s submissions spanned 29 different malt barley varieties.

The 2021 Malt Cup awards evaluation took place in three phases over two months. Malthouses sent samples to Montana State University's Barley, Malt & Brewing Quality Lab, where researchers conducted quality control analysis to ensure that each entry meets the competing category criteria. The qualifying samples then underwent hot steep sensory evaluation at 17 different judging locations across the United States and Canada. Judges reported sensory data such as aroma, flavor, and aroma via DraughtLab, a sensory software. The DraughtLab team is an on-going partner in the competition.

In the final round, additional judge panels evaluated the top malts in each category to determine the top winners. Judges examined both the certificate of analysis for each malt and conducted further hot steep sensory evaluation to make decisions about the world’s best craft malt. In total, 83 judges worked together to determine the following winners: 

PILSEN MALT 

• Gold -  Gold Rush Malt (Baker City, OR, USA)

• Silver - Malteria Italiana Artigianale (Gualdo Cattaneo, PG, Italy)

• Bronze - Admiral Maltings (Alameda, CA, USA)

PALE MALT 

• Gold -  Gold Rush Malt (Baker City, OR, USA)

• Silver - Troubadour Maltings (Fort Collins, CO, USA)

• Bronze  - Root Shoot Malting (Loveland, CO, USA)

2021 MALT CUP WINNER

Gold Rush Malt was awarded Best of Show and became the first malt house to win two gold medals in a single season. 

SOLES OF MALT AWARD

The Soles of Malt Award is an award that honors individuals who stand out for their leadership, selflessness, and philanthropic stewardship of craft malt. The award is named in memory of William Soles, co-founder of Grouse Malt House. The recipient of the 2021 Soles of Malt Award is Paul Schwarz, professor of Malting Barley Quality in the Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND. 

“Paul has taught many students now employed in the malting, brewing, and food science industries, especially in craft malting about crop diseases, beer gushing, and malt quality analysis,” says  Dave Thomas, Brewer Emeritus at Dostal Alley Brewery. “I have personally witnessed Paul's uncanny ability to spot the variety, quality, and stage of development or diseases in cereal grain fields from the window of a moving car at 60mph on a backcountry road!"

“Agricultural contributions like Schwarz’s and exceptional final products from Malt Cup winners continue to elevate craft malt as a critical value add for craft brewers and distillers across the globe,” says Jesse Bussard, CMG Executive Director. “In turn, they help to establish the importance of flavor, sustainable supply chains, and engaged communities in the beverage industry and beyond.” 

#CRAFTMALTCON2021
This year’s virtual format via Crowdsource allowed for 265 total attendees and 30 speakers from six continents, 15 countries, and 36 United States to tap into the most accessible craft malt education in the world. 

CMG extends congratulations to all of the 2021 winners and gratitude to all speakers, sponsors, and participants. 

To learn more about these prestigious awards programs or the North American Craft Maltsters Guild, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com. 

ABOUT THE CRAFT MALTSTERS GUILD

Formed in 2013 by eight craft malthouses, the Craft Maltsters Guild’s mission is to promote and sustain the tradition of craft malting in North America, provide services and resources to the Association’s members, and uphold the highest quality and safety standards for craft maltsters. Learn more about the Craft Maltsters Guild at www.craftmalting.com.

Craft Maltsters Guild Announces Newly Elected and Returning Board Members

BOZEMAN, MT—  The Craft Maltsters Guild (CMG) is thrilled to announce the new election of the largest and most diversely talented Board of Directors yet, just in time for the annual gathering of its community at the virtual 2021 Craft Malt Conference.

The CMG Board of Directors is a group of individuals dedicated to holding craft malting to the highest standards, responsible for the general administration of the association’s activities and creating policy on behalf of the Guild. Members of the board of directors are elected by malthouse members of the Guild and will serve a three-year term. 

This year, the Craft Maltsters Guild will welcome back three existing members and welcome five new members to the Board of Directors. 

Introducing the 2021 class of CMG board members:

(* Indicates new to the board in 2021) 

Member Malthouse Seats 

Hillary Barile. Returning for a second term, Barile is the Secretary of the Guild and an existing member of the board. Barile is a farmer, maltster, and partner at Rabbit Hill Farm. She brings a big-picture lens to the translation of agriculture to the consumer with her commodity farming background and breadth of leadership experience.

Jeff Malkiewicz. Co-Founder of Great Lakes Malting Co., Malkiewicz is returning as Guild Treasurer for a second term. He continues to oversee membership growth and technical initiatives. 

*Curtis Davenport. Prior to co-founding Admiral Maltings, Davenport grew organic fruits, vegetables, barley, and wheat in Santa Barbara County, CA. He began floor malting inside a converted shipping container in 2013 and has been a member of the Craft Maltsters Guild ever since.

*Matt Enns. Founder of Maker's Malts, Enns wears many hats in barley research and education, including leadership roles at the Saskatchewan Barley Board, Brewing and Malting Barley Research Institute, Canadian Malting Barley Technical Center, and the Prairie Grain Development Committee.  

Allied Trade Seats

*Branch Rothschild. As Brewhouse Manager at Allagash Brewing Co. and long-time member of the Master Brewers Association of America (MBAA), Rothschild’s role in the craft beer community has become increasingly centered around the production of barley. 

Hannah Turner. Another returning Board of Director’s seat, Turner is the Director of the Montana State University Barley, Malt, & Brewery Quality Lab that works to improve barley of all kinds and offers barley and malt testing for farmers and craft maltsters. 

Individual Seats

* Ryan Hamilton, is the Executive Director of the Michigan Barely Association and a Professional Aide for Malting Barley Outreach at Michigan State University. Hamilton has a rich background and connections in research and academia and brings a valuable perspective on building sustainable barley value chains.  

*Jason Parker. Co-Founder and President at Copperworks Distilling Co., Parker is a founding member of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission with a long history of brewing and distilling. 

“We’re excited about the fresh, new perspectives the incoming class of new and returning board members bring to the craft malt community,” says Jesse Bussard, the Executive Director of the CMG. “Their collective experiences and professions span the supply chain from field to glass including not only craft maltsters but two university researchers, a brewer, and a distiller as well.” 

Members of the new board will attend and help execute the virtual 2021 Craft Malt Conference February 10 through 12. Registration for this continuing education opportunity closes on Tuesday, February 9. 

The Craft Maltsters Guild extends farewell to outgoing board members Twila Soles of Grouse Malt House and Dave Thomas of Dostal Alley Brewery, with gratitude for their service to the craft malt community. 

ABOUT THE CRAFT MALTSTERS GUILD

Formed in 2013 by eight craft malthouses, the Craft Maltsters Guild’s mission is to promote and sustain the tradition of craft malting in North America, provide services and resources to the Association’s members, and uphold the highest quality and safety standards for craft maltsters. Learn more about the Craft Maltsters Guild at www.craftmalting.com.

Craft Maltsters Guild Goes Virtual with 2021 Craft Malt Conference, February 10-12

The Craft Maltsters Guild proudly presents the fourth annual Craft Malt Conference, coming to you in a virtual format from February 10-12. The decision to go virtual in 2021 was made to support safety measures during COVID-19 but with the added perk of increasing accessibility for the greater craft malt community. Come one, come all. This is an easy-to-attend artisan grains and craft beverage conference you won’t want to miss.

#CraftMaltCon2021 is a three-day event, with curated live seminars on the latest research, trends, and best practices relevant to those in the craft malt supply chain. Participants can also participate in digital malthouse tours, peruse a virtual trade show, and attend cyber happy hours each evening. Attendees will also have the chance to talk with sponsors during live Q&A sessions and check out new products via video demos. 

“We’re excited about the potential this exciting new format offers,” says Executive Director of the Craft Maltsters Guild Jesse Bussard. “Adapting our conference to a virtual experience makes craft malt education more accessible than ever!” 

The 2021 Craft Malt Conference keynote speaker is the esteemed craft beer icon Ken Grossman of Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. Other guest speakers include Richard Simpson of Simpsons Malt, Bart Watson of the Brewers Association, Becky Harris of Catoctin Creek Distillery, and Dr. Charlie Bamforth of UC Davis, from the University of Nottingham and Sierra Nevada, among many other leading craft malt, beer and spirits industry experts. 

The conference finale is the Malt Cup Awards Ceremony on Friday, February 12th. 2021 marks the third year of this one-of-a-kind malt competition, which was remotely judged by a nationwide team of 74 maltsters, brewers, distillers, researchers and Cicerones. Entry analysis and judging was organized by the Montana State University - Barley, Malt and Brewing Quality Lab. Medals will be awarded for the top three winners in both 2021 categories, Pale Malt and Pilsner Malt.

Registration for the 2021 Craft Malt Conference includes access to the full conference schedule, and is available both to CMG membership and non-members. Register here. 

Media interested in attending the virtual Craft Malt Conference are eligible for comped conference participation. Please contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com to participate in the conference, and with all other media inquiries about the Craft Maltsters Guild. 

ABOUT THE CRAFT MALTSTERS GUILD

Formed in 2013 by eight craft malthouses, the Craft Maltsters Guild’s mission is to promote and sustain the tradition of craft malting in North America, provide services and resources to the Association’s members, and uphold the highest quality and safety standards for Craft Maltsters. Learn more about the Craft Maltsters Guild at www.craftmalting.com.

Root Shoot Malting Spearheads Craft Malt Seal in Colorado

Photo at Woods Boss Brewing Company

LOVELAND, CO— As an advocate and Member Malthouse for the Craft Maltsters Guild’s Craft Malt Certified Seal program, Root Shoot Malting is excited to announce Colorado’s twelve new craft malt certified breweries. 

City Star Brewing, Comrade Brewing, Grist Brewing, Iron Mule Brewery, Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery, Joyride Brewing, Launch Pad Brewery, Mockery Brewing, Station 26 Brewing Co., Timnath Beerwerks, Woods Boss Brewing Company, and Guanella Pass Brewing Co. are the newest Member Breweries in the Craft Malt Certified Seal program, which allows brewers and distillers to communicate their use of and support for distinctive, locally produced raw materials. 

These breweries have demonstrated their commitment to locally grown and roasted barley by joining this membership program, and they’re proud to do so. “We joined because we buy malt from Root Shoot Malting. It's important to support our local economy and a fellow manufacturer like ourselves,” says David Lin, Chairman & Founder at Comrade Brewing in Denver. “We were impressed with their dedication to quality, along with their malting facility. Root Shoot helps differentiate our beer while meeting the customers’ desire for local products.”

Photo at Comrade Brewing

Jordan Fink, Co-Founder and Head Brewer of another Denver brewery, Woods Boss Brewing, is another advocate for the Craft Malt Seal. “We have a deep and abiding commitment to sustainability, community, education, personal relationships and of course, making amazing beer,” he says. “To that effect, we developed a partnership with Root Shoot Malting pretty much right out of the gate and at this point, almost all of our base malt is supplied by them. Given the opportunity to join the Craft Maltsters Guild and be able to showcase our participation through the use of the Seal was a no-brainer for us. It allows us to promote the folks who supply our grain, what they do, and showcase our beer all at the same time.”

Another of the country’s leading maltsters and craft malt membership crusaders, Riverbend Malt in Asheville, North Carolina, has also encouraged 12 breweries to join the Craft Malt Seal. Learn more about the Seal at craftmalting.com.  

Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Root Shoot Malting.

ABOUT ROOT SHOOT MALTING 

Root Shoot Malting’s family of farmers grow, harvest and malt the finest grains to give brewers and distillers high-quality taste in every glass. Opened in 2016 on 1,500 acres of Olander Farms’ irrigated land in Loveland, Colorado, Root Shoot harvests alfalfa, wheat, corn, rye, and barley. Root Shoot gives breweries and distilleries the ability to procure local, consistent and high quality craft products. Find this craft maltster online at rootshootmalting.com.

Root Shoot Malting Wins 2020 Craft Malt Cup for Light Munich

FORT COLLINS, CO— Root Shoot Malting are the proud recipients of a 2020 Craft Malt Cup, third place in the Light Munich category. They received the award earlier this month during this second annual competition at the third annual Craft Malt Conference.

This competition is open to American maltsters, this year with two categories (up from one the previous year): Light Munich and Pale Malt. Twenty two malthouses entered, with 22 entries in the Pale Malt category, and 14 in the Light Munich category. Quality analysis was conducted on all samples by the Montana State University Malt Quality Lab to ensure entries met the specs for each category. Samples then underwent a blind hot-steep method wort tasting in numerous locations around the United States by qualified sensory panels that included brewers, distillers, Cicerones, and malting experts.

"Malt Houses participating in this years Malt Cup received the full analytical evaluation of their malt as well as detailed sensory feedback from DraughtLab,” says the Director of the Barley, Malt & Brewing Quality Lab at MSU. “This feedback provided rare insight for each groups entry as well as comparison to other malts within the style category. Our aim is to provide an invaluable service to the Craft Malt Industry through the Malt Cup competition."

In the inaugural year of the Craft Malt Cup, Root Shoot Malting won first place for their Genie Pale Malt. The Loveland-based maltster is excited to take home this honor two years in a row, a testament to the quality of their product and a huge compliment from trusted industry advisors. 

Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Root Shoot Malting.

ABOUT ROOT SHOOT MALTING 

Root Shoot Malting’s family of farmers grow, harvest and malt the finest grains to give brewers and distillers high-quality taste in every glass. Opened in 2016 on 1,500 acres of Olander Farms’ irrigated land in Loveland, Colorado, Root Shoot harvests alfalfa, wheat, corn, rye, and barley. Root Shoot gives breweries and distilleries the ability to procure local, consistent and high quality craft products. Find this craft maltster online at rootshootmalting.com.

Root Shoot Malting Welcomes Craft Malt Conference to Colorado with Collaboration Beers

FORT COLLINS, CO— Root Shoot Malting is excited to welcome craft brewers and maltsters to Colorado for the 2020 Craft Malt Conference to be held in Fort Collins beginning February 7. The Loveland-based maltster has crafted 10 collaboration beers with local breweries and malting companies to celebrate this third annual industry conference, located in Colorado for the first time. 

Available both at the conference and at the respective brewing companies, Root Shoot has crafted collaborations with Gilded Goat Brewing Company, New Belgium Brewing, Horse & Dragon Brewing, TRVE Brewing, Intersect Brewing, CB & Potts Restaurant & Brewery, Timnath Beerwerks, City Star Brewing, Purpose Brewing & Cellars, and the CSU Ramskeller brewery. These beers were crafted with malt from Root Shoot, Troubadour Maltings, Grouse Malt House, Colorado Malting Company, Riverbend Malthouse, Sugar Creek Malt, Epiphany Malthouse, Red Shed Malting, Gallatin Valley Malt, Admiral Maltings, Maltwerks, and Mecca Grande Estate Malt. Each of these beers was crafted with malt from at least two craft maltsters. 

"Our Colorado craft brewers are a large part of the local community, and we found it fitting to involve malthouses from across the country in celebrating another year of craft malt evolution,” says Todd Olander of Root Shoot Malting. “Our Root Shoot Malting team makes a large effort to build relationships and engage with brewers. We wanted to integrate and pass along the collaborative efforts to the craft malting industry."

Learn more about the Craft Malt Conference put on by the Craft Maltsters Guild at craftmalting.com. For more details about each of these collaboration beers, or with media inquiries about Root Shoot Malting, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com. 

ABOUT ROOT SHOOT MALTING 

Root Shoot Malting’s family of farmers grow, harvest and malt the finest grains to give brewers and distillers high-quality taste in every glass. Opened in 2016 on 1,500 acres of Olander Farms’ irrigated land in Loveland, Colorado, Root Shoot harvests alfalfa, wheat, corn, rye, and barley. Root Shoot gives breweries and distilleries the ability to procure local, consistent and high quality craft products. Find this craft maltster online at rootshootmalting.com.

Root Shoot Malting Celebrates Inaugural Craft Malt Day

LOVELAND, CO— Root Shoot Malting is proud to announce the first-ever Craft Malt Day, designated by the Craft Maltsters Guild. This day will go down in history as a celebration of everyone that supports the craft malt industry.
Root Shoot spent this day in history in the field harvesting corn before steins of Liebesland Helles, a collaboration between all 10 Loveland breweries made with 100 percent Root Shoot grains, at the Loveland Oktoberfest bash.

“Craft malt celebrates a connection between people. Connection between drinkers, farmers, brewers, and maltsters lets us shed light on an agricultural product that has been brushed aside with the growth of large-scale commodity product availability,” says Mikey Myers of Root Shoot Malting. “Craft malt is more than beer— it’s a commitment to doing it right, and always trying to make it better.” 

Since its launch in 2016, Root Shoot has supplied malted barley for more than 200 breweries across Colorado and beyond. That number continues to grow as craft breweries strive to localize their ingredient lists and diversify their flavors.

To learn more about Root Shoot Malting or the inaugural Craft Malt Day, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT ROOT SHOOT MALTING 

Root Shoot Malting’s family of farmers grow, harvest and malt the finest grains to give brewers and distillers high-quality taste in every glass. Opened in 2016 on 1,500 acres of Olander Farms’ irrigated land in Loveland, Colorado, Root Shoot harvests alfalfa, wheat, corn, rye, and barley. Root Shoot gives breweries and distilleries the ability to procure local, consistent and high quality craft products. Find this craft maltster online at rootshootmalting.com.