Malts

Malts are grains—most commonly barley—that have been soaked, germinated, and then dried through a process called malting. This process develops enzymes that convert stored starches into fermentable sugars, which are essential for brewing beer and distilling whiskey. The malting process also influences the flavor, aroma, color, and mouthfeel of the final product. Different malts can add sweet, nutty, caramel, or roasted notes, providing complexity to beverages. In essence, malts are the foundational ingredient providing both the fermentable sugars and character in malted beverages.