Happy New Year, friends and industry partners!
The year 2026 marks a monumental milestone for all of us at Briess Malt & Ingredients: providing the brewing industry with 150 years of quality, service, and innovation. As we look at our history, we are proud of the story that we forged with our partners in the industry.
Our 150th anniversary is as much a celebration of you as it is of Briess.
Briess’ story began in 1876 when my great-great-grandfather, Ignatius Briess, a grain trader in Moravia, Czechoslovakia, built a malthouse. One of the products that Ignatius produced was “Prima-Malz”, which became a highly sought-after barley malt that was recognized throughout the world for its exceptionally high quality.
With this commitment to quality, in the years that followed, Briess grew into a global leader in specialty malts and ingredients, eventually fueling the craft beer revolution.
Pictured above is its advertisement for export.
A Legacy Built on Innovation and Resilience
1876: Ignatius Briess sets the foundation for excellence with Moravian malt, renowned worldwide for its quality.
1894: Second-generation owner Rudolf Briess expands exports and introduces Maltoferm, a malted barley flour for baked goods. It was an early example of our ingredient innovation for the food industry.
1930s: Third-generation owner Eric Briess brings the family tradition to the United States, ensuring brewers have access to quality malt.
1950s–1970s: Briess establishes a relationship with Chilton Malting Company, installing advanced roasting technology and pioneering specialty malt production.
1971: After the passing of Eric Briess, fourth-generation owner Roger Briess takes over leadership of the company.
1978: Roger Briess acquires full ownership of Chilton Malting Co., laying the foundation to service craft brewers following the legalization of homebrewing in 1978.
1980s: Roger Briess’ vision for the potential of craft brewing fuels Briess innovations like pre-ground malt, 50-pound bags, and CBW® pure malt extract, helping the earliest craft brewers to thrive.
1990s–2000s: Expansion continues with Insta Grains® facilities for flakes and adjuncts, a state-of-the-art brewhouse in Chilton, WI, and a new name: Briess Malt & Ingredients, reflecting our growing role in food and beverage industries.
2013–2017: Strategic investments in barley supply and malting capacity ensure quality and consistency for generations to come. This includes the purchase of the Wyoming barley intake center and anchoring of our relationships with hundreds of barley growers, and the acquisition of the malt plant in Manitowoc, WI, with significant investments to create additional capacity and production versatility.
2021–2026: Under Craig’s fifth-generation leadership, Briess drives additional growth and innovation, with the company being awarded “Large Business of the Year” and securing Manitowoc, WI, the designation of the “Specialty Malt Capital of the World.” The company’s heritage of innovation sets the course for continued growth and industry leadership.
Fueling Craft Beer and Beyond
From the earliest days of American craft brewing, Briess has been more than a supplier; we have been a partner in quality and creativity for innovative brewing recipes and more, ensuring our specifications fit each customer’s requirements. Our specialty malts and ingredients are trusted by brewers, distillers, and food manufacturers across all 50 states and internationally, with over 90 different malt varieties in our portfolio.
The Evolution of Malting
Malting has certainly changed since Ignatius Briess started his malthouse in Czechoslovakia. What has not changed, however, is Briess’ adherence to its core tenets and commitment to its customers. Today, Briess meets the diverse needs of its brewing customers through its Manitowoc malthouse and other facilities.
To best support our craft beverage producers, Briess sources premium barley varieties, remains at the forefront of new processes and validations (including The Briess Hot Steep Method), and leverages our team’s skills in the art and science of malting. Our team ensures Briess produces the highest quality and consistency of malt that our customers deserve.
The Evolution of Roasting
Briess’ identity as a premier roasting company began in 1953, when the Chilton Malting Co. installed two K-Ball Roasters to produce roasted caramel malts. Several years later, the Chilton Malting Co. added two more K‑Ball roasters. With each roaster producing 600 pounds per batch, Briess became the largest roasted malt producer in the United States. In the 1970s, Briess transitioned to larger, more efficient drum roasters, tripling production and broadening distribution.
All malts – roasted and kilned – continued to be produced exclusively in the Chilton malthouse until 1993, when Briess added the Waterloo facility.
In 2014, Briess acquired the Manitowoc malting facility and, in the years that followed, made significant upgrades. In 2021, Briess completed centralization of its malting operations at Manitowoc.
Today, the Manitowoc facility is defined by the quality and versatility of its products. Through it, Briess produces the widest range of roasted and caramel specialty malts, from Blonde RoastOat® and Extra Special Malt to Crystal Red® and Blackprinz®, using proprietary techniques that optimize flavor, color, and performance.
From our K‑Ball Roasters of the 1950s to today’s advanced drum roasting technology, Briess prioritizes meeting the needs of brewers and distillers. Our commitment to innovation and quality ensures that we remain a trusted partner to our valued customers, helping brewers create exceptional beers for generations to come.
Looking Ahead
As Briess begins its 150th year, we remain committed to the values that brought us here: Quality, Service, and Innovation. With world-class facilities, an exemplary team, and strong partnerships with growers, we look forward to continuing to shape the future of malting and ingredient solutions.
Above all, Briess’ history has been defined by its customers, and we value that partnership. We thank you for being a part of our 150-year journey and look forward to writing our story together for years to come.
Cheers to the next 150!