FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Surprise! As you can probably tell, the Craft Maltsters Guild Newsletter got some new digs for 2021. Thanks to the fine folks at RadCraft for helping us with this makeover. (Please let us know what you think!) Along with a new layout, we’ve also put together a lineup of great content for this quarter’s issue of not only our usual updates, but some exciting new feature stories as well.

In this issue, we introduce you to the Tom Hutchinson, the man behind Gold Rush Malt and Malt Cup double-gold medal winner. We also delve into the craft malt industry’s history to celebrate some of the amazing women who’ve not only been instrumental in building up our industry but in pushing it forward as well. Lastly, for those of you looking for more technical content, our Quality Corner write-ups from Aaron MacLeod of Hartwick College and Joseph Jensen, Ph.D. Candidate at Montana State University, should provide some timely tips and interesting research findings to get your mental wheels turning.

On a personal note, things are really looking up for the Guild. The Craft Malt Conference (which performed well-beyond our initial expectations) and conversations surrounding it have sparked new and growing interest in craft malt and our organization. I continue to see our membership grow on a monthly basis and have been receiving multiple inquiries a week from media interested in telling the story of craft malt. Put simply, craft malt is getting noticed! Additionally, vaccination rollouts and the literal breath of fresh air (and sunlight) Spring brings with it seem to have reinvigorated people’s perspectives as a whole.

I, for one, am excited about the year ahead and the new possibilities it brings! Enjoy the newsletter!

Cheers,
Jesse Bussard
Executive Director