Blue Ox Malthouse is already having a banner year. The Maine-based floor malting pioneer just secured Best of Show and two gold medals at the 2025 Malt Cup Awards, hosted by the Craft Maltsters Guild in collaboration with the Montana State University Barley, Malt & Brewing Quality Lab. Big congrats. The awards, now in their seventh year, are dedicated to evaluating malt quality on a global scale. Entries undergo three vigorous, points-based rounds of blind judging in specific malt style categories.
With 34 malthouses from seven countries submitting a record-breaking 112 samples, the 2025 Malt Cup was the most competitive yet, which makes Blue Ox’s win even more impressive. The company’s floor-malted Light Munich and Caramel 60 malts took home top honors in their categories, and the Light Munich outscored every other malt in the competition to win Best in Show. This latest win brings Blue Ox’s total Malt Cup tally to six medals over three years — an impressive feat for a malthouse that remains steadfast in its commitment to traditional malting methods. The awards come at a pivotal time, as the company recently completed an expansion that has positioned it as the largest floor malting facility outside of Europe.
The Blue Ox story: From homebrew roots to global recognition
Blue Ox Malthouse wasn’t built overnight. It started with a homebrewer’s vision and a mission to connect Maine’s vibrant agricultural community with its booming craft beer and spirits industry. Founder Joel Alex left his job in 2013 to chase an idea: Maine had world-class grain and world-class brewers, but no local malthouse to bridge the gap. In 2015, Blue Ox set up shop in Lisbon Falls, Maine, where it became the state’s first commercial malthouse. The company quickly earned a reputation for producing high-quality, locally sourced malt using centuries-old floor malting techniques.
Over the years, Blue Ox expanded its partnerships with regional farms, sourcing barley, wheat, rye, triticale, and oats from growers who share its commitment to sustainable agriculture. This dedication to craft and community has made Blue Ox a trusted supplier for breweries, distilleries, and even bakers throughout the Northeast. Now, they also have the big awards. From the press release:
“This recognition is validation that we can craft world-class ingredients with Maine-grown grains, which elevate our customers’ products, our farmers’ hard work, and our community at large,” says Joel Alex, Founder and CEO of Blue Ox Malthouse. “I am especially proud of the team at Blue Ox who kept our quality consistent amid a complex expansion. We look forward to competing again next year with new, innovative products!”
A Game-Changing Expansion
In 2024, Blue Ox took a bold step forward, opening a 20,000-square-foot facility that quadrupled its malting capacity. This expansion cemented its status as the largest dedicated floor maltster in North America and one of the few in the world committed exclusively to traditional malting methods. The new facility isn’t just about scale — it’s about diversity and innovation. With the added capacity, Blue Ox now offers an expanded range of malted grains, including organic, smoked, and custom malts, with plans to introduce roasted malt varieties last we heard. Also cool: In 2023, Blue Ox made the switch to entirely solar-generated power. The malthouse works with Perch Community Solar on this eco-friendly solution.
Why Blue Ox embraces floor malting
While most modern maltsters have embraced automated malting techniques, Blue Ox has doubled down on floor malting, a labor-intensive, hands-on process that dates back centuries. Why?
- Gentler on the grain — The process minimizes mechanical stress, preserving the grain’s structure and yielding a more consistent and flavorful malt.
- Hands-on quality control — Maltsters manually rake and monitor the grain throughout the germination process, making real-time adjustments to optimize quality.
- Job creation — Unlike automated systems that require fewer workers, floor malting supports skilled jobs and fosters a deep connection between workers and the malt.
- Better beer, better spirits — Brewers and distillers recognize the depth of flavor that floor-malted grain provides, leading to more complex, character-rich beverages. These awards prove that.
Looking ahead
With its recent expansion, record-breaking award wins, and growing customer base, Blue Ox Malthouse continues to catch our collective attention. The company is proving that high-quality, locally sourced ingredients can compete with — and even surpass — the best in the world. For brewers, distillers, and bakers looking for exceptional malt with a story behind it, Blue Ox is setting the standard. The malthouse has always been about more than just grain. It’s as much about community as craftsmanship. We suggest you check out the community at blueoxmalthouse.com.
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