Maris Otter
Maris Otter® is a two-row, autumn sown[1] variety of barley commonly used in the production of malt for the brewing industry. The variety was bred by Dr G D H Bell and his team of plant breeders at the UK's Plant Breeding Institute; the "Maris" part of the name comes from Maris Lane near the institute's home in Trumpington. It was introduced in 1966 and quickly became a dominant variety in the 1970s due to its low nitrogen and superior malting characteristics. By the late-1980s the variety had become unpopular with large breweries and it was removed from the National List in 1989.[2]
Maris Otter is a cross of Proctor and Pioneer varieties and is the only barley variety ever bred for its brewing capabilities.[3]
In 1992, the grain merchants H Banham Ltd & Robin Appel Ltd bought the sole right to market Maris Otter and in 2002 they bought all rights outright (including the registered trademark). They remain the sole owners and intend to improve the variety on an ongoing basis.[3]
It has been supplanted by newer varieties with better agronomics, but it is still in high demand for premium products. It is one of the few barley malts marketed today by variety. It is very popular both in homebrewing circles and among traditional real ale breweries, many of whom note their exclusive use of Maris Otter in their promotional literature. It carries a price premium to most other varieties.
References
- ^ BYO - Could you please cover the major types and strains of barley used in brewing?
- ^ Abby Kellett (2015-12-24). "MPs unite to celebrate 50th anniversary of Maris Otter Barley". FG Insight. Retrieved 2016-09-04.
- ^ a b Arnold, J. "Maris Otter". Robin Appel Ltd. Retrieved 19 August 2019.