Tasmania’s thirst for local barley has malt house chasing grain for distillers and brewers

Spirits on the apple isle are soaring — with more than 80 distilleries in Tasmania and in addition to more than 30 craft breweries.

A key ingredient in the production of both beverages is malt barley.

The challenge for both the whisky and craft beer industries is securing long-term supplies of local malt.

Boortmalt, the world’s largest malting company, which has a long history of supplying the big breweries in Tasmania, is changing its approach to accommodate the state’s…