Building resilience from grain to glass.

A worker cleaning a large industrial machine in a factory, with green buckets labeled 'Grain Only' nearby.
A circular badge with the text "Without craft malt it's just beer" around the border, and an icon of three wheat stalks in the center.

About us

Great Lakes Malting Company is an independently owned craft malt house located in Traverse City, Michigan. Since 2016, we’ve been crafting premium malt from 100% Michigan-grown grain for brewers and distillers across the Midwest.

But malt is more than an ingredient.

It’s a connection between the farmers who grow our grain, the maltsters who carefully craft it, and the brewers and distillers who transform it into something memorable. Every batch reflects a commitment to quality, transparency, and the strong partnerships that make exceptional craft beverages possible. By working closely with Michigan growers and our brewing and distilling partners, we’re strengthening regional agriculture while helping our customers create beverages that reflect a true sense of place.

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A circular logo with a map of Michigan in the center and the words 'Made in Michigan' around it.

Our Mission

Our mission is to supply the highest quality malt while providing unparalleled service and an unwavering commitment to supporting local agriculture.

Great Lakes Malting Company was built on a simple belief: the ingredients behind great beer and spirits should have a connection to the place where they are made.

Today, much of the malt used by Michigan craft breweries and distilleries travels thousands of miles before it reaches the glass. We believe there is a better way — one rooted in local agriculture, trusted relationships, and a deeper connection between farmers, maltsters, and makers.

By sourcing Michigan-grown grains and crafting malt close to home, we help create new opportunities for local farmers while providing brewers and distillers with fresh, traceable ingredients that capture the character and spirit of our region.

For us, craft begins long before the brewhouse or distillery. It starts in the field, continues through careful malting and quality testing, and ends with a finished beverage that tells a story.

Because when you choose Great Lakes malt, you’re not just choosing an ingredient — you’re supporting the people, land, and communities behind it.

Close-up of a wheat head with a blue sky background.
A circular logo with a stylized image of a drinking glass and the words "Sustainability at the Source".

Sustainability & Local Impact

Sustainability and capturing the true flavor and spirit of the Great Lakes region are at the heart of everything we do.

We are proud to cultivate authentic partnerships between Michigan farmers, brewers, and distillers through a transparent, regional supply chain built on trust, quality, and shared values.

By sourcing grain and producing malt locally, we reduce transportation distances, support regional agriculture, and deliver fresher, more flavorful malt from grain to glass.

Our malts travel less than 250 miles from farm to malt house, creating a direct connection between the land where the grain is grown and the beverages crafted across the Midwest.

Stylized graphic of three wheat stalks with leaves.

The further malt has to travel, the less fresh and flavorful it is. 

Our malts travel less than 250 miles.

World map showing distances in miles between Alberta, Montana, UK, and Germany with dotted lines indicating routes of 1700, 1500, 4136, and 3500 miles.

MALT FROM OTHER SOURCES

A map of Egypt showing a wheat field icon at the center with dotted lines connecting to four surrounding points, indicating a network or trade route.

OUR FARMS

Proud Partners & Industry Supporters

  • Michigan Brewers Guild

    Illustration of the state of Michigan with a beer mug, featuring the text "Michigan The Great Beer State".

  • Craft Maltsters Guild

    Logo of the Craft Maltsters Guild featuring a shield with two stylized towers and a barley icon at the top, with the words 'Craft Maltsters Guild' below.

  • Michigan Craft Distillers Association

    Logo of Michigan Craft Distillers Association featuring an outline of the state of Michigan and a copper distillation apparatus.

  • Brewers Association

    Logo of Brewer's Association with large letters B and A, and a stylized beer glass between the letters.

  • Master Brewers Association of Americas

    Logo of Master Brewers Association of the Americas, established in 1887, featuring a beer barrel and wheat graphic.

  • American Malting Barley Association

    Logo of the American Malting Barley Association featuring two stylized barley stalks and the organization’s name in green text.

Our malts

From dependable base malts to distinctive specialty varieties, Great Lakes Malting Company crafts premium Michigan-grown malt for brewers and distillers who value quality, consistency, and regional character.

Every batch is produced in small quantities with careful craftsmanship, rigorous testing, and a commitment to freshness and performance—giving our partners the confidence to create exceptional beers and spirits with authentic Great Lakes character.authentic Great Lakes character.

See malt varieties