What is malt?
Our experience in the art of malting dates back to 1938, when the first stone
was laid at our malthouse in Lieshout, NL. Today, Holland Malt proudly offers
a broad portfolio of premium base and specialty malts, including our Caramel
and Aroma malts, as well as Munich and Crystal malts.
What is malt? Get to know ours
Holland Malt offers premium pilsner, organic, distilling and wheat malts. We have extensive experience in producing a wide range of specialty and craft malts.
Steeping for 24 hours
The answer to what is malt, starts with the malting process. Firstly, soaking the barley grains for 24 hours in a steeping vessel. During this time, air is blown through the vessel (the steep) to add oxygen to the water and provide a washing effect. Sand, dirt, and mould-infested kernels are washed away leaving only the clean kernels. After approximately 24 hours, the barley begins to sprout, and the grain is then transferred to the germination floor.
Germination period of five and a half days
After the grains have been soaked, the moist barley is spread out and allowed to germinate in a warm, well-lit environment. During this process the sprouting barley produces heat. To control this temperature, the barley must be turned regularly. Historically, this was done by hand, but these days it’s by mechanical turners. The modern techniques we use, such as cooling devices and fan-assisted aeration, give us perfect control over the malting process. This means a germination time of five and a half days.
Drying the sprouted grains
Once germination is complete, the grain is loaded onto the kiln floor. There, the temperature increases gradually, drying the sprouted grains and stopping the germination process. As the temperature rises further, the sprouted barley is cured, which improves the flavour and preserves the malt. Holland Malt only uses state-of-the-art computerised kilns, ensuring maximum quality control.
Our malt houses
- Sustainable
- Mass production
- Hypermodern
Plant Eemshaven
State-of-the-art and world’s first emission-free malthouse.
- Local
- Specialised malt
- Craftmanship
Plant Lieshout
We have been producing malt in Lieshout for over a hundred years.
Our successful sister company
Holland Malt has a sister company, CereX, a global player in natural malt extracts and compounds. The company has substantial experience in malting, brewing, soft drinks and extract production, using ultra-modern equipment.
Go to Cerex website