Country Malt Group Launches New ‘Empire Malt’ Barley

Champlain, NY – The Country Malt Group unveils their first company sponsored Malt Initiative with the expressed commitment to redeveloping New York State into a premium barley growing area—as it was once considered 100 years ago. Empire Malt, named for the iconic Empire State Building, has been developed hand in hand to support the New York Farm Bill, New York Beer Brewers, and the New York Farm Community. As a business started by the Bechard family-a 3rd generation New York family-CMG is deeply vested in the New York community, particularly the Champlain region.

Regarding the launch of Empire Malt, Country Malt Group founder and current President Bryan Bechard had this to say: “Country Malt Group has its roots ingrained in the Champlain, New York community. We care about the area because this is where we all live and grew up. With as successful as [Country Malt Group] has become, it’s important that the brewers and farmers of the area feel that success too. Empire Malt is just the first step in making sure that happens.”

Empire Malt is a well modified UK style pale ale 2 row barley grown in the Champlain and Finger Lakes areas of New York State. It features low protein, a bold biscuity flavor, and can be used up to 100% of your grist bill. 2016 will feature a limited release of 55lb bags and “super sack” ton-sized grain totes, while 2017 will see a marked increase in supply.

With Empire Malt, CMG is working to meet the growing demand for regional specific brewing ingredients, as such, it represents the first in a potentially long line of region specific malts to be developed and distributed by CMG.