Malt is a key ingredient in brewing and distilling, made from grains like barley that have been soaked in water and allowed to germinate. This process, known as malting, activates enzymes that convert the grain's starches into sugars, which are essential for fermentation. The resulting malt adds flavor, color, and sweetness to beverages like beer and whiskey. After germination, the grains are dried in a kiln, stopping the process and preserving the sugars. Different types of malt, such as pale malt or roasted malt, contribute unique characteristics to the final product. Malt is not only important for brewing but also used in baking and cooking.