FORGING NEW PATHWAYS IN FLAVOR
Each of our uncommon and distinctive Exploratory Varieties is new to the US market, and represents years of research and development. We work with breeders, international seed companies and local farmers to select the most promising grains and ensure that these varietals are agronomically stable here in the Valley. Our proprietary small-batch malting technology gives us an unprecedented degree of control of the malting process, allowing us to adapt the process to find the peak flavor and brewhouse performance of any grain.
Pilot Barley

One of our UK origin series, Pilot variety was bred for high temperature stable beta amylase, which could result in a beer with higher attenuation levels (drier) and/or higher alcohol levels at the given mash temperatures using slightly less grain. Our Pilot base malts present fresh, biscuity notes, and is very suitable for big beers and British style bitters.
Varietal: Spring two row malting barley
Varietal Origin: United Kingdom, Limagrain
Parentage: Publican x propietary line
Growing region: Skagit Valley Washington
Pilot Base Malt
Pilot base malts present an opportunity to explore new variations on wort flavor, with the potential to improve beer attenuation, particularly with higher-gravity brews. Beta Amylase in Pilot remains stable at higher temperatures, and is not denatured as quickly during a single temperature infusion mash between 150 and 160 degrees F. Pilot base malts are well-suited to all styles of beer.
Pilot Pale
Download Pilot Pale Typicals COA
Pilot Pilsner
Download Pilot Pilsner Typicals COA
Talisman Barley
One of our UK origin series, Talisman is the latest of the current direct descendants of Maris Otter via the Puffin, Pearl, Flagon genetic pathway. Skagit-grown Talisman winter barley exhibits our signature UK low-protein profile, as well as high extract, low levels of Beta Glucans and moderate levels of FAN and diastatic power (DP). Our Talisman base malts are well-suited to moderate gravity ales in both English and American style categories.

Varietal: Winter two row malting barley
Varietal Origin: Sejet, Denmark
Parentage: Flagon x Retriever, descendant of Maris Otter via Puffin, Pearl and Flagon
Growing region: Skagit Valley Washington
Talisman Base Malt
Skagit-grown Talisman winter barley exhibits our signature UK low-protein profile, as well as high extract, low levels of Beta Glucans and moderate levels of FAN and diastatic power (DP). Talisman base malts are well-suited to moderate gravity ales in both English and American style categories.
Talisman Pilsner
Download Talisman Pilsner typicals COA
Talisman Pale
Download Talisman Pale Typicals COA
NZ-151 Barley

A two row spring variety bred by Washington State University to produce low levels of proanthocyanidins, a known cause for post-refrigeration hazing and staling characteristic. Currently, we are the only malt company working with NZ-151 - a robust, low protein variety with a distinctive flavor that grows exceedingly well in the Skagit Valley. Offered as a Pale Malt, it is suitable for all types of ales, especially those that may require longer aging and/or shelf life.
Varietal: Spring two row malting barley
Varietal Origin: Washington State University, Pullman, WA, by Dr. Sachin Rustgi
Parentage: Apexant-4991 Alexis (Ca 803111)//Baronesse (2000NZ304)/3/Cellar
Growing region: Skagit Valley Washington
NZ-151 Base Malt
NZ-151 base malts present an opportunity to explore uncommon variations on wort flavor, while also addressing the challenge of longer-term beer clarity. NZ-151 was bred to have naturally low levels of Proanthrocyanidins (a naturally occuring compound that is associated with both chill and permanent haze). NZ-151 base malts are well-suited to all beer styles, especially those for which longer aging and shelf stability are desired.
NZ-151 Pale
Download NZ-151 Pale Typicals COA
NZ-151 Ale
Download NZ-151 Ale Typicals COA
Obsidian Barley
An exotic landrace variety, originally from Egypt that presents an opportunity to explore unique and interesting variations on wort flavor and more specifically color. Skagit Obsidian is hulless, with a deep purple bran, and distinctive flavors, characteristics and brewing attributes. Obsidian base malt can be used as primary base malt when with rice hull additions, or in percentages similar to a malted wheat in the grain bill. Obsidian’s proteins are relatively high for Skagit Valley (12-14%) but base malts will still provide adequate extract and enzymatic activity.
Varietal: Obsidian
Varietal Origin: N/A
Parentage: N/A
Growing region: Skagit Valley Washington
Type: Base
Obsidian Malt
Download Obsidian Malt Typicals COA