Suffice it to say, I will try again next year!
In the meantime I have done a third and what I would consider my best batch of pale malted barley to date! The flavor is by far the best out of my three batches and I think I'm ready to start experimenting with roasting and smoking my malt to make special varieties. I'd like to try and make a chocolate malt!
To continue moving forward my husband wants to crack the grain so we can convert the starches to sugar in a mash to make wort. We want to test the degree of modification. If we get good starch to sugar conversion compared to that of store-bought base malt, then we know I'm not over or under modifying my barely. Only problem is we don't have a grain mill. So it looks like we will be looking to purchase one on the cheap, I'm considering getting the one that attaches to my Kitchenaid mixer. I'm looking for the least expensive but most efficient option since my husband is officially leaving his corporate job to pursue employment in the brewing industry.
My husband is now into his Finishing Practices class and getting started on Part 2 of the Brewing Certificate...Business of Brewing. He is ready to apply the knowledge and skills he has gained. We are both very excited for his next step...whatever it may be! Guess that means I have to keep my day job! I wonder if I can pay our mortgage with malt?
