Crops for Making Alcohol

The varieties listed here are for historical reference only.

Please check with state and local law regarding the making of alcohol at home.

2-rowed barley is the historic ingredient for malt used to make beer.  

Rice is used in making mijui (米酒, mǐjiǔ), baijui (白酒, báijiǔ), and juiniang (酒酿, jiǔniàng), all spirits we enjoyed while in China. We use this type of yeast for making rice wine.

Many varieties of rye and triticale were tested in Minnesota; studies determined variety is the key to distinctive flavors.