malt

Malt is a key ingredient in brewing beer and distilling spirits, made from cereal grains, primarily barley. The process involves soaking the grains in water, allowing them to germinate, and then drying them with heat. This activates enzymes that convert the grains’ starches into sugars, which are essential for fermentation. The resulting product, malted barley, has a sweet flavor and a rich color, contributing to the taste and character of beer and whiskey. Various types of malt can produce different flavors, aromas, and colors, making it a fundamental element in the production of alcoholic beverages.