From Ground to Glass: Evaluation of Unique Barley Varieties for Craft Malting, Craft Brewing, and Consumer Sensory

Differentiating agricultural products has been adopted as a strategy to improve farm profitability and thereby business sustainability. This study aimed evaluate unique barley varieties for craft malting brewing markets enhance diversified grain growers in southwestern Washington. Advanced breeding lines from Washington State University (WSU) were compared control variety (CDC-Copeland) through field trials, experimental commercial conditions, consumer sensory evaluation. The beers differed only by the genotype-dependent malt. Malting conditions (experimental or commercial) replicate influenced five out of eight malt quality traits measured, while genotype seven traits. Consumers differentiated ranking, open description, check all that apply during central location test. Based on liking, 12WA_120.14 12WA_120.17 could replace CDC-Copeland beers. A total 83% consumers responded they would pay more beer if it support local farmers. value proposition represents an opportunity purchasing producers, who form foundation chain whose economic success will determine sustainability small farms minor growing regions. We provide further evidence contributions flavor, tracing impact ground glass.