Establishing a Path to Locally Sourced GN0 Barley for Kentucky Distillers and Educational Engagement

Kentucky has a rich agricultural heritage but limited barley production, particularly in varieties suitable for distillation. The presence of glycosidic nitriles (GN) in barley presents a significant challenge, as these compounds are precursors to ethyl carbamate (EC), a potential carcinogen regulated in multiple markets (Bringhurst, 2015). Developing and adapting winter GN0 barley—varieties that do not produce GN—is key to ensuring a reliable local supply for Kentucky’s distilling industry (Morrissy et al., 2024). This project will focus on evaluating GN0 barley varieties, optimizing agronomic practices, and determining their malting and distilling performance. By leveraging established research methodologies, industry partnerships, and student engagement, this initiative aligns with AMBA’s priorities of enhancing barley competitiveness and sustainability. Key components of this work include field trials to assess yield and disease resistance, malting trials with Riverbend Malthouse, an AMBA Member Malthouse, and distillation trials that measure EC levels in finished spirits. Additionally, this project will provide educational opportunities through the University of Kentucky’s Grain to Glass program, ensuring the next generation of distillers and researchers are equipped with cutting-edge knowledge. This research will generate key data on GN0 barley’s agronomic performance, malting quality, and economic feasibility, supporting Kentucky’s role in sustainable barley sourcing. This initiative advances AMBA’s goals by fostering research and industry collaboration, furthering Kentucky’s reputation in environmentally adapted, high-quality barley production, supporting both economic growth and the distilling sector.