Sugar Creek Chit Malt is a lightly modified malted barley that enhances head retention, mouthfeel, and haze stability while contributing little color or malt flavor. It provides the foam and body benefits of adjunct grains without increasing sweetness or heaviness in the beer. Historically, chit malt was developed to deliver these adjunct-like effects while still qualifying as malt and remaining compliant with the Reinheitsgebot German beer purity law.
Origin
USA- Midwest
Suggested Styles
Belgian Ales, Hazy/NEIPA
Usage Rates
2-5% to improve head retention and mouthfeel
5-10% for enhanced haze stability and fuller texture
Higher rates are possible, but will require a modified mash schedule
Specs
| Color (°Lovibond) | 1.3-2.0 |
| Moisture | 4-6% |
Sugar Creek Malt Co.
Sugar Creek Malt Co. is a family-owned and operated craft maltster located in Boone County, Indiana, about three hours away from major brewing hubs. Dedicated to reviving the art of small-batch malting, the company sources all its grains from their own family farm and other family-owned farms within a 200-mile radius. This commitment to local sourcing not only supports regional agriculture but also helps create a sustainable supply chain with minimal environmental impact. By keeping the entire process close to home, Sugar Creek Malt Co. ensures high-quality grain selection and maintains close relationships with the farmers who produce it.
The company specializes in traditional, hands-on malting techniques that bring a rich, artisanal quality to each batch of malt. They utilize a floor-malting process, a centuries-old technique where grains are steeped, spread out on the floor to germinate, and turned by hand to ensure even growth. This method is far more labor-intensive than modern mechanical malting, but it allows for exceptional control over the flavor development, resulting in malts with unique depth and character. Sugar Creek Malt Co. produces a variety of specialty malts, including roasted and smoked varieties, that bring complex flavors to the beers and spirits made with them. Their commitment to quality, tradition, and sustainable agriculture makes them a respected and trusted partner among craft brewers and distillers who seek to infuse their products with distinct, locally-inspired flavor profiles.