malt

germinated grain / malted liquor / to germinate grain

NounTransitive Verb

past: maltedpp: malteding: malting

This term describes a specific biological process where grains are tricked into sprouting to release enzymes, creating a sweet, fermentable base for alcohol. It carries a strong association with traditional craftsmanship and the sensory profiles of brewing and distilling. As a noun, it can refer to the raw ingredient or the final spirit produced from it. When used as a verb, it describes the technical agricultural process of steeping and germination.

Meanings

Noun

Grain that has been soaked in water and allowed to germinate, then dried, used especially in the brewing of beer and the distillation of whisky.

"The brewer added a high-quality malt to the mash."

Noun

A liquor, such as whisky, that is distilled from malted grain.

"He prefers a single malt over a blended scotch."

Transitive Verb

[~ something]

To convert grain into malt by soaking it in water and allowing it to germinate.

"The process requires the farmer to malt the barley carefully before selling it to the distillery."

Last Updated: June 13, 2026•Report an Error