Golden Promise

Golden Promise

Golden Promise is a variety of barley that is highly regarded for its use in brewing beer. It is known for its exceptional malt quality and is widely used by craft breweries and homebrewers alike.

History

Golden Promise was first developed in Scotland in the 1960s by the Scottish Plant Breeding Station. It was created through a crossbreeding program with the goal of producing a barley variety that would be well-suited for whisky production. The breeders aimed to develop a barley with a high yield, good disease resistance, and most importantly, a high enzymatic activity for mashing purposes.

Characteristics

Golden Promise is a two-row barley variety, meaning it has two rows of grain on each spike. It has a relatively short stature, typically reaching a height of around 80-90 centimeters. The grains are plump and golden in color, hence the name "Golden Promise."

One of the key characteristics of Golden Promise is its high diastatic power, which refers to its ability to break down starch into sugar during the mashing process. This makes it an ideal choice for malt production, as it provides the necessary enzymes for efficient fermentation.

Brewing Applications

Golden Promise is highly sought after by brewers due to its unique flavor profile and brewing characteristics. It is known for producing a rich, malty flavor with hints of honey and biscuit. The malt derived from Golden Promise is often used in the production of Scottish ales, English bitters, and other traditional beer styles.

In addition to its flavor contributions, Golden Promise also offers excellent fermentability, meaning it can be easily converted into alcohol by yeast during the brewing process. This makes it a versatile ingredient for brewers looking to achieve a high level of attenuation and a clean, crisp finish in their beers.

Availability

Golden Promise is widely available to both commercial breweries and homebrewers. It can be purchased from various maltsters and brewing supply stores. Many online retailers also offer Golden Promise in both whole grain and malted form, making it easily accessible to brewers worldwide.