This conversation was all about peeling back the layers of beer and helping drinkers understand what’s really happening before the hops ever show up.
Malt: The Foundation of Beer
Malt plays a critical role in beer, influencing nearly every aspect of the final product. From sweetness and body to color and mouthfeel, malt is responsible for much of what we experience when we take that first sip. Ian explained how different malt varieties contribute flavors ranging from bread and cracker to caramel, chocolate, and roast—often without beer drinkers realizing where those flavors originate.
One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation was just how much intentional decision-making goes into malt selection. Brewers aren’t just choosing malt for alcohol content—they’re building flavor, structure, and balance from the ground up.
Inside the Malting Process
Ian also shared insight into the malting process itself, offering a behind-the-scenes look that many beer fans never get to hear. From grain selection to germination and kilning, each step directly impacts how malt performs in the brewhouse and how it expresses itself in beer.
This perspective helped connect the dots between agriculture, craftsmanship, and brewing—highlighting how maltsters and brewers collaborate to create consistent, expressive beers.
Malt’s Role for Brewers and Homebrewers
Whether you’re brewing professionally or at home, understanding malt opens up new creative possibilities. We discussed how thoughtful malt choices can elevate beer styles, add depth without sweetness overload, and help brewers achieve balance without relying solely on hops or adjuncts.
Even for non-brewers, this knowledge changes how you drink beer. Once you start recognizing malt character, you notice it everywhere—from lagers and stouts to IPAs and barrel-aged beers.
Why This Matters for Beer Fans
This wasn’t a technical lecture—it was a conversation designed to make beer more enjoyable. Malt may not be the trendiest ingredient, but it’s arguably the most important. Understanding it gives beer fans a deeper appreciation for what’s in their glass and the craftsmanship behind every pour.
If you missed the live stream, the full replay is available on Rod J BeerVentures on YouTube. And if you want to be part of future discussions, make sure you follow and subscribe so you can join the conversation live, ask questions, and interact in real time.
Beer starts with malt—and after this conversation, you might never look at beer the same way again.
Get your beer on. 🍺
See video here: https://youtube.com/live/-bUsWNYOZ6s?feature=share
