Pale malt is a type of malted barley that is commonly used in brewing and distilling. It is produced by soaking barley grains in water, allowing them to germinate, and then drying them with hot air. This process develops enzymes that convert starches into sugars, which are essential for fermentation. Pale malt typically has a light color and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. In brewing, pale malt serves as the base malt for many beer styles, providing the primary fermentable sugars. It is often used in combination with other malts, such as caramel malt or roasted malt, to create a balanced flavor profile. Pale malt is a key ingredient in popular beer styles like pale ale and lager.