Why did Irish brewers use un-malted barley?

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Multiple Choice

Why did Irish brewers use un-malted barley?

Explanation:
Economics and regulation shaped what grains brewers could use. Malt was taxed, so Irish brewers favored unmalted barley to cut costs and dodge the malt tax. They often still relied on some malt to provide enzymes for fermentation, using unmalted barley to add body and character without paying the tax on malt. This tax-driven motive explains the historical use of unmalted barley more than flavor differences, shortages, or fermentation speed.

Economics and regulation shaped what grains brewers could use. Malt was taxed, so Irish brewers favored unmalted barley to cut costs and dodge the malt tax. They often still relied on some malt to provide enzymes for fermentation, using unmalted barley to add body and character without paying the tax on malt. This tax-driven motive explains the historical use of unmalted barley more than flavor differences, shortages, or fermentation speed.

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