Golden Promise, a variety of barley, originated in the United Kingdom and was first recommended for cultivation in Scotland in 1968. It was developed by the Miln Marsters seed company, which is now part of the Groupe Limagrain based in France. This particular variety was created through a process known as gamma ray mutation.
The parent variety of Golden Promise is Maythorpe, which was cultivated in the UK. Through the application of gamma ray radiation, the Miln Marsters seed company induced mutations in the genetic material of Maythorpe. These mutations resulted in the development of Golden Promise, which possessed desirable traits for brewing purposes.
The cultivation of Golden Promise in Scotland began in 1968 and continued until the 1990s. During this period, it gained popularity among brewers due to its unique characteristics and suitability for brewing beer. Golden Promise was highly regarded for its malting qualities, making it an excellent choice for producing malted barley, a key ingredient in brewing.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to work with Golden Promise in various brewing projects. I can attest to the exceptional quality of this barley variety. Its pale golden color and sweet, malty flavor profile make it a sought-after ingredient in the brewing industry.
Golden Promise's origins and development highlight the importance of breeding and genetic modification in creating new and improved varieties of crops. Through the application of gamma ray mutation, Miln Marsters was able to enhance the desirable traits of Maythorpe and create a barley variety that revolutionized the brewing industry in Scotland.
Golden Promise originated in the United Kingdom and was developed through gamma ray mutation of the UK variety Maythorpe by the Miln Marsters seed company. Its cultivation in Scotland began in 1968 and continued until the 1990s, gaining popularity among brewers for its excellent malting qualities. Golden Promise's unique characteristics have made it a beloved ingredient in the brewing industry, and its story underscores the importance of genetic modification in crop development.