An Australian malt production company, Voyager Craft Malt, has once again claimed the top spot at the prestigious Malt Cup held in Denver, Colorado. This victory marks their second consecutive win in this international competition, highlighting the exceptional quality of their products. Originating from New South Wales, Voyager's success with their Atlas Pale Malt showcases not only their skills but also emphasizes their commitment to promoting local Australian growers. Alongside this achievement, they are organizing an upcoming industry event to further celebrate grain cultivation within Australia.

Voyager’s co-founder, Stu Whytcross, expressed pride in being recognized for their high-quality malt, attributing much of this success to the farmers who supply them. He highlighted that while processing grains takes seven days, the groundwork done by farmers is invaluable. This win underscores the excellence of Australian-grown produce, ranging from barley to wheat and rye. Despite global recognition, Stu emphasized the importance of valuing local products over imports.

The Malt Cup saw participation from 34 malthouses across seven countries, making it the largest edition yet. In Australia, the craft malting scene is burgeoning, with new entrants like Loam Malt Studio in Western Australia contributing to the diversity of locally farmed grains. Other players such as Mallokup Malt and AMSAT Character Malt are similarly enhancing options for brewers. Industry collaborations, including those between Bintani and Rocky Ridge focusing on sustainable practices, further strengthen the sector.

Stu anticipates a significant increase in local maltings due to advancements in small-scale equipment availability. Reflecting Voyager's long-standing aim to highlight Australian grains, they are planning a multi-day conference later this year. Located in the Riverina region, this event will bring together brewers, distillers, and bakers through tours, technical sessions, and a concluding beer festival. It aims to foster professional development and networking while supporting initiatives like the Good Grain Impact Fund.

This October, Voyager intends to host an engaging event celebrating the start of the grain harvest. By bringing urban brewers closer to rural farming communities, they hope to deepen mutual appreciation among stakeholders. Their efforts align with recognizing passionate farmers alongside dedicated brewers, ensuring continued growth and innovation in the Australian grain and brewing industries.