Bear Branch: Malting in Maryland

What this episode covers

Dive into the world of craft malt, regional ingredients, and sustainable agriculture as we chat with Brad Humbert, owner of Bear Branch Malt in Maryland. Discover how local grains and farming practices shape the beer landscape in the Mid-Atlantic.Main Topics:The journey of local and craft malting in MarylandBridging agriculture and brewing through regional ingredientsSustainability and farm-to-brew relationshipsChallenges and opportunities for grain and hop growers in the Mid-AtlanticUpcoming events and collaborations for craft malt month>In this episode:Brad shares his background and the history of Bear Branch Malt, a family farm with roots dating back to 1937Discussion on the transition from engineering to craft malting, and love for regional ingredientsThe significance of local grains like Avalon barley and their terroir impactHow farm practices, including growing soybeans and cover crops, support sustainable malt productionThe relationship between local brewers and maltsters, and the importance of supporting regional grain economiesChallenges faced by hop growers in Maryland and the scalability issues of hop cultivationStrategic growth and expansion plans for Bear Branch Malt, including collaborations with breweries outside MarylandHighlighting upcoming craft malt and beer events, Oktoberfest releases, and the return of Sally GasterThe importance of community support and supporting local ingredients in the craft beer scene>Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome to the DC Beer Show and introductions00:14 - Mike Stein shares his drink: Liquidity Aleworks Patapsco Pale00:34 - Jordan's Canadian triple hazy IPA from Colorado01:09 - Brandy’s smoked beer from Elder Pine02:00 - JB’s concentration on Port City Schwarzbier and West Coast IPA03:01 - Introduction to Bear Branch Malt and Brad’s drink: German-style red lager03:25 - Brad shares his journey from engineer to maltster and farm-to-brew philosophy04:46 - The evolution of the farm’s malting system—from half-ton to 8-ton setup05:10 - Brad discusses what drives his passion for local agriculture and malting07:01 - Discussion on supporting local malting and regional ingredients07:32 - Clarifying that Bear Branch Malt sells malt, not animals08:21 - Connection between spent grain, livestock, and sustainability practices08:45 - The farm’s integrated approach with cattle, sheep, and crop rotation09:19 - Potential differences in beef fed on malted grains09:39 - Local breweries’ use of spent grain and farm practices involving malting byproducts10:36 - Exciting crops like Avalon barley for next year’s harvest and terroir studies11:14 - The farm’s crop cycle, planting seasons, and interesting cover crop experiments12:08 - The challenge of growing spring vs. winter grains like barley and wheat14:00 - The competitiveness of malting industry and regional grain support15:02 - The impact of commodity malt prices and value of local grains16:11 - The scope of grain farming and malt production in Maryland and neighboring states16:40 - The scale of craft brewing versus large-scale barley and hop production17:04 - Industry competition and collaboration among craft maltsters19:05 - Family farm history and historic ownership since 193720:10 - Community and event plans for Craft Malt Month and collaborations21:17 - Potential for regional hop growing and the limitations faced in the Mid-Atlantic22:25 - Challenges of growing proprietary hop varieties in Maryland23:39 - Yields and considerations for hop farming at small and larger scales25:42 - The significance of regional grain and malt industries across Maryland, DC, Virginia27:29 - Growth plans for Bear Branch Malt and expansion into neighboring states28:51 - Collaborations with local breweries like Monument, Union, and Guinness29:07 - Upcoming events at Other Half and local craft beer highlights30:36 - The role of cocktails versus beer and local bar culture31:12 - Celebrating Oktoberfest releases and upcoming beer festivals33:45 - Sally Gaster returning and upcoming fall events including the World Cup final34:17 - Closing remarks and support for local ingredients and community engagementResources & Links: • Bear Branch Malt - Maryland-based craft maltster and farmThank you for tuning in! Follow what's happening in the DC scene at DCBeer.com and @dcbeer on social media. Support us at Patreon.com/DCBeer Thanks to our monthly supporters Chris Sadler Brian Dauernheim Quinten Patterson C Sandoval Gilbert Glickstein Ethan Sapperstein Sean Whipkey Randy Mills Ryan Llalan Fowler Michael Losi Adam Heisenberg Brian Jeff Lucas Micaela Carrazco Lauren Sean Moffitt Anthony Scipione johnna infanti Catherine Ramirez Adam Frank Tyler Lynch Jared Prager Jeff Michael O'Connor Favio Garcia Josh Ellen Daniels Juan Deliz Mike Lastort James Wisnieski Chris Frome Sam Chip Tory Roberts Chris DeLoose Lauren Cary Clifton B Scott Pavlica Greg Antrim jeffrey garrison Alexis Smith Dan Goldbeck Anthony Budny Greg Parnas Frank Chang Kim Klyberg Chris Girardot Alyssa jeffrey katz Andrew MacWilliams Jamie Jackson Meegan Mike Rucki Nick Gardner Amber Farris Sarah Ray Peter Jones Blue2026 Brad Stengel Bill and Karen Butcher Jordan Harvey Stephen Claeys Julie Verratti

PodParley-generated summary based on available episode metadata and transcript content.