Expert: John Snyder - 5/2/2004

Question
Hi - My grandfather (1843 - 1917) was a Maltster. Could you please explain what a maltster did in the beer making process, presumably at village pubs, back in early Victorian times in England?

I am also interested in the complete process as carried out in those days.

Answer
The maltster selected cereals,mainly barley,from the growing fields,for malting.The barley could also be grown on a brewers premise.The maltster would then modify the barley,using nature as part of the process,to allow the brewmaster to be able to make beer from it.The barley was malted to the brewmasters specification,to ensure the brewmaster being able to produce the beer flavor,and alcohol content he desired.The whole process is too long for me to detail here.Check http://www.ukmalt.com/howmaltismade/maltmade.html this site,and links should provide you with that info.Any specific questions,concerning either this process,or the brewing process i will gladly answer