The Resilience of Murphy & Rude Malting

In this episode of the DC Beer Show, the hosts delve into the recent ups and downs Murphy & Rude Malting has faced, highlighting its journey through near-closure, innovative solutions, and its commitment to local agriculture. Jeff Bloem shares insights on how craft malting is evolving amidst climate challenges, industry camaraderie, and the future of purpose-grown grains.Main Topics:Murphy & Rude’s recent near-closure and subsequent revivalThe impact of climate change on barley farming and maltingThe importance of regional grains and heritage varieties in craft brewingIndustry camaraderie and healthy competition among maltersFuture visions: grain-focused facilities and purpose-grown cropsUpcoming events: DC Beer Share and Womxn’s Brew Culture Club Timestamps: 00:06 - Welcome to the DC Beer Show at DC Beer Across Social Media 00:14 - Mike Stein reviews Mount Vernon Rye Porter and Murphy & Rude malts 00:50 - Brandy shares her Wheatland Spring Stay in the State pills 01:26 - Jeff Bloem introduces his beer choice: Einger Dunkel 02:26 - Jeff discusses balancing Munich malts in Einger Dunkel 04:37 - Murphy & Rude’s recent close call and the emotional roller coaster 05:56 - The grain storage mishap and its impact on malt production 07:14 - Scaling challenges and co-manufacturing struggles 08:51 - Germination failure and its effect on production viability 10:02 - The emotional decision to nearly shut down 11:11 - Murphy & Rude’s second chance via sustainable reorganization 12:12 - Plans to support homebrewers and grain store accessibility 13:33 - Murphy & Rude's regional presence and community impact 14:26 - Transition to collaborative brewing with Chili Hollow 15:27 - The importance of regional hops and malts in craft beer 16:04 - Industry camaraderie among maltsters—rivalry vs. collaboration 17:20 - The evolution of craft malting from basement startups to scaled operations 18:52 - The balance of competition and camaraderie in the industry 21:13 - Impacts of drought and climate change on mid-Atlantic barley 22:27 - Harvesting strategies and weather considerations in Virginia 24:27 - The influence of climate change on growing seasons and pests 26:31 - Jeff praises local malts and discusses the future of heritage grains 28:56 - Ideas for purposefully grown grains and supporting regional agriculture 30:11 - Infrastructure needs for a non-commodity grain market 33:17 - The importance of local malt in breweries and how consumers can support 34:10 - Upcoming community events: DC Beer Share and Women’s Brew Culture Club 35:21 - SnallyGaster festival and celebrating craft beer milestones 36:25 - Closing remarks and encouragement to appreciate local maltstersResources & Links:Murphy & Rude MaltingCommon Grain AllianceChilly Hollow BrewingBear Branch Malt Thanks to our monthly supporters Deborah Ort 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