I'm trying to get hold of some crystal malt from my local micro-brewery but he tells me there's none available in the country and that their UK suppliers can't supply because of a serious shortage, due mainly to the severe weather and floods of earlier in the year. (Apparently, it all comes from the UK.)
Typically, he says the price (if he can get supplies) has gone from about R12/kg (about £0.85) to R80/kg (about £5.70)!
Is the situation really so bad in old Blighty!!!?
Crystal Malt Shortages?
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steve_flack
Our malt has gone up quite a lot in price but not that much. The malt shortage isn't as bad as the hop shortage though. There are several maltsters in the UK that make crystal malt. It's also made in several other countries such the US.
AFAIK the floods were more of a problem for hops as it was in the main UK hops growing region. Barley growing is more widespread - the problem is actually a combination of a crap summer and also price pressure from biofuels. Basically farmers got more money per acre growing other crops. Consequently the barley price has to go up to make it worth their while.
AFAIK the floods were more of a problem for hops as it was in the main UK hops growing region. Barley growing is more widespread - the problem is actually a combination of a crap summer and also price pressure from biofuels. Basically farmers got more money per acre growing other crops. Consequently the barley price has to go up to make it worth their while.