To make honey malt, you will need a base malt such as pale malt or 2-row malt, and some honey. The process involves a two-step process of malting and kilning the grains, and then adding honey during the kilning process.
1. Malting: Start by soaking the grains in water to initiate germination. This activates enzymes in the grain that convert starches into sugars. After a specific amount of time, depending on the desired malt character, the grains are spread out to allow air circulation and prevent mold growth. This process is called air-drying or curing.
2. Kilning: Once the grains have reached the desired level of germination, they are transferred to a kiln for drying and flavor development. In the case of honey malt, honey is added during this stage. The honey is typically mixed with water to create a syrup, which is then sprayed onto the grains. This allows the honey to evenly coat the grains, imparting its distinctive flavor.
3. Temperature and Time: The kilning process involves carefully controlling the temperature to achieve the desired malt character. For honey malt, a moderate temperature is usually used to retain the delicate honey flavor. This can range from around 150 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit (65 to 82 degrees Celsius) for a period of several hours. The exact time and temperature will depend on the desired intensity of the honey flavor.
4. Drying: After the kilning process, the grains are dried to remove any excess moisture. This is typically done using hot air or a low-temperature oven. The drying process helps to stabilize the malt and prevent spoilage.
5. Milling: Once the honey malt is completely dry, it can be milled or crushed to break up the grains into smaller pieces. This step is important for extracting the flavor and sugars during the brewing or distilling process.
6. Storage: the honey malt is stored in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness and flavor until it is ready to be used in brewing or distilling. Proper storage is essential to prevent any degradation or loss of flavor.
It's worth noting that the process of making honey malt can vary slightly depending on the specific maltster or brewery. Different malting companies may have their own unique techniques or variations in the process. Additionally, the exact flavor profile of honey malt can also vary depending on factors such as the type of honey used and the specific maltster's process.
Making honey malt involves malting grains, adding honey during the kilning process, carefully controlling temperature and time, drying the grains, milling them, and storing the finished malt. This process creates a unique malt with a sweet and honey-like flavor that can add depth and complexity to beers and spirits.