Grain
Maris Otter
S tier
Maris Otter is a winter two-row English malting barley released in the 1960s and still beloved for rich, biscuity, slightly nutty malt that defines many traditional British cask ales. Yields are lower than modern super-varieties; brewers pay for flavour. As food grain it is uncommon retail, but malt and malt flour carry the name into baking and malted drinks. Specify Maris Otter malt when brewing bitters and pale ales that want heritage character. Floor-malted lots are especially prized. The variety’s longevity is a flavour story, not agricultural efficiency.
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Grading systems
Grades are placed along a shared scale so systems can be compared side by side.
History
Maris Otter was released from Cambridge plant breeding as a winter malting barley.
Real-ale culture clung to Maris Otter as newer higher-yield barleys displaced it on farms.
Ownership and seed stewardship arrangements helped keep Maris Otter commercially alive.
Craft brewers worldwide imported Maris Otter malt for authentic English ale profiles.