{"id":7737,"date":"2025-08-11T18:33:32","date_gmt":"2025-08-11T22:33:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/riverbendmalt.com\/?p=7737"},"modified":"2025-08-14T20:16:28","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T00:16:28","slug":"riverbend-malt-house-2025-harvest-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/riverbendmalt.com\/riverbend-malt-house-2025-harvest-report\/","title":{"rendered":"Riverbend Malt House 2025 Harvest Report"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"2025<\/span><\/p>\n

The Riverbend Malt House 2025 harvest report is here!<\/span><\/p>\n

Growers throughout the Southeast work with winter grains that are typically planted in mid-October and harvested in late May or early June. This schedule gives the crops time to establish a stand before entering the dormancy stage over the winter months. As temperatures warm in the spring, the plants begin their journey toward maturity. Under ideal conditions, sufficient rain will support growth this period and then give way to a warm dry spell in late May that supports the development of bright, plump grain kernels.<\/span><\/p>\n

The 2024-25 growing season did not follow this script! We had above average snowfall levels across several states in January, giving way to an extended, cooler spring. Couple these events with a seemingly endless cadence of late afternoon thunderstorms in June\u2014 and we have the makings of a challenging 2025 harvest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite these challenges, a majority of our growers were able to deliver high-quality samples that exceeded our expectations! Keep reading for more details.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Avalon Leads The Pack<\/span><\/h3>\n

Now in its third year of production, Avalon barley<\/a> has really hit its stride. Acreage increased dramatically with the expanded availability of certified seed after the 2024 harvest. As a result, we will be bringing in Avalon from farmers in four different states. This is exciting news, as this represents a big step forward for regionally-adapted varieties.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Violetta barley will remain an important part of our variety mix after another successful harvest. From coastal Virginia (Bays Best Farm)\u00a0 to central Kentucky (Walnut Grove Farms), this variety weathered a wide array of stressors, but emerged with strong yields and plump kernels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2025 Harvest Signals Small Changes Ahead<\/span><\/h3>\n

The 2-row Calypso barley variety has not fared well over the last two harvests, presenting a number of challenges in the malt house this spring. As a result, we have made the decision to phase it out of production.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As part of this transition, we’re excited to announce an evolution for our beloved Cumberland Pilsner<\/a>. As part of our commitment to brewing with the finest local ingredients, we are transitioning to Tennessee-grown Avalon barley from our partners at Teeter Farm & Seed Company in Clarksville.<\/span><\/p>\n

This beautiful grain allows us to continue delivering the classic Cumberland Pilsner flavors you love\u2014 fresh bread crumb, melon, and sweet aromatics\u2014 which have been the calling cards of Calypso barley. Avalon barley enhances its character and quality, while the flavor up a notch or two. We\u2019re thrilled to deepen our support for local agriculture, and can’t wait for you to taste this next chapter of a fan favorite.<\/span><\/p>\n

Research & Development<\/span><\/h3>\n

2025 marks the first time we have harvested a dedicated variety for the distilling market, and we are eagerly awaiting the results of our early trial batches. These winter barleys will deliver a significant increase in enzymatic activity compared to our current 2-row options <\/span>and<\/span><\/i> are considered negative for <\/span>glycosidic nitrile<\/span><\/a>. If successful, these varieties will usher in a remarkable step forward towards achieving the goal of sourcing distiller\u2019s malt from local farms throughout the South.<\/span><\/p>\n

We are also continuing our partnership with Virginia Tech\u2019s Small Grains program, providing feedback on the next generation of 2-row barley varieties for our region. As with Avalon, we\u2019ll be running small test batches and providing results from our sensory panels to researchers to help them choose the most flavorful varieties for future release.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stay tuned for more information on these trials!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Standing On Firm Ground<\/span><\/h3>\n

All of the behind-the-scenes testing and research is conducted with the goal of creating a stable, consistent source of locally-grown grain for our brewers and distillers. As the years roll by, our growers make subtle changes and invest in infrastructure that supports this goal. These investments have delivered a solid crop in the 2025 harvest that will sustain our operations for the next year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our customers, in turn, build beers and spirits that reflect the unique character of our region\u2014 the end result of a process we feel is extremely gratifying. We appreciate all the effort and support along the entire grain supply chain that is required to make this happen!<\/span><\/p>\n

Enjoy the rest of your summer!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cheers,<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Brent<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\"2025<\/p>\n

The Riverbend Malt House 2025 harvest report is here!<\/p>\n

Growers throughout the Southeast work with winter grains that are typically planted in mid-October and harvested in late May or early June. This schedule gives the crops time to establish a stand before entering the dormancy stage over the winter months. As temperatures warm in the spring, the plants begin their journey toward maturity. Under ideal conditions, sufficient rain will support growth this period and then give way to a warm dry spell in late May that supports the development of bright,<\/p>\n

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