Maris Otter

Maris Otter

File:Maris Otter.jpg

Maris Otter barley

Maris Otter is a variety of barley that is widely recognized and highly regarded in the brewing industry. It is known for its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile, making it a popular choice among brewers for producing high-quality beers.

History

Maris Otter was first developed in the mid-20th century by Dr. GDH Bell and Dr. AK Smith at the Plant Breeding Institute in Cambridge, England. It was named after the two farms where the initial breeding work took place - Maris Lane and Otter Farm. The goal of the breeding program was to create a barley variety that would be well-suited for malting and brewing purposes.

Characteristics

Maris Otter is a winter barley variety, which means it is sown in the autumn and harvested the following summer. It has a relatively low nitrogen content, which is desirable for malting as it helps to produce a more balanced and flavorful beer. The grains are plump and golden in color, with a high starch content and excellent germination rates.

Brewing Applications

Maris Otter is highly regarded by brewers for its unique flavor profile and its ability to contribute depth and complexity to beers. It is often used as a base malt in traditional British ales, such as pale ales, bitters, and stouts. The malt produced from Maris Otter barley has a rich, biscuity character with notes of toffee and honey, which can enhance the overall flavor and aroma of the finished beer.

Availability

Maris Otter is primarily grown in the United Kingdom, where it has become synonymous with traditional British brewing. However, it is also cultivated in other parts of the world, including North America and Australia. The availability of Maris Otter malt may vary depending on the region, but it is generally considered a specialty malt and may be more readily available at craft breweries and homebrew supply stores.