Since the inception of Riverbend Malt House, we have been learning how to work with what grows in the South to produce not just high-quality beers, but also spirits. This exploration has plunged us into the often polarizing conversation about distillers malt. What is distillers malt? What’s the optimal enzymatic content for converting starch, and how does that vary across styles of spirits? 

The answers to these questions usually vary depending on who you ask.  » Read more about: Understanding Distillers Malt, Part 1  »

Maibock season has arrived, and in 2025 we’ve noticed an uptick in the number of Maibocks we’re seeing out there. This beer style is a brewer’s favorite, and often what we reach for in early spring when the evenings are still crisp. We’re ready for patio beers, but need something with a bit more heft than traditional Pilsners or Mexican Lagers. Thankfully, the Maibock is here to fill that gap in the “shoulder” season.

 » Read more about: Made With Riverbend: Make Way For The Mighty Maibock!  »

Chit malt is barley that has started germinating but has not yet fully sprouted. It’s used in brewing to enhance enzymatic activity, which helps break down starches during mashing, making the malt more fermentable. This style of malt was originally developed to sidestep the Reinheitsgebot regulations in Germany.

At Riverbend, we use Southern-grown 2-row barley coupled with a brief germination stage and gentle kilning regime to create our chit malt.

 » Read more about: Mainstays Made with Riverbend Great Chit Malt  »

When it comes to beer and spirits competitions, the reign of craft malt is undeniable. In 2022, numerous brewers, all using Riverbend malts, clinched top honors in industry competitions across the nation. The following year, 2023, Tennessee-based Riverbend user Chattanooga Whiskey was crowned Craft Producers of the Year by American Whiskey Magazine, a testament to their quality and craftsmanship. This success story was echoed by many others who brought home a slew of distinctions. 

 » Read more about: Winners Circle: Business of the Year Awards and Total Domination at the US Open Beer Championship  »