Raising a Glass to Quality: Barley and Rye for the Art of Distilling
Good whiskey begins long before the toast.
Behind every barrel of great whiskey is a distiller’s craft — and before that, the grain itself. At Highland Milling, we believe the foundation of an exceptional spirit starts with premium raw materials that perform consistently in every stage of production — from mash to maturation.
This season, we’re raising a glass to the distillers who turn simple ingredients into something remarkable. Whether you’re producing small-batch craft whiskey or scaling up a heritage brand, we’re here to help you do it with the highest-quality barley and rye available.
Why Grain Quality Matters in Distilling
Every distiller knows: grain consistency isn’t just a matter of convenience — it’s the cornerstone of flavor and yield. Even small variations in protein, moisture, or starch content can influence everything from mash conversion to fermentation performance.
That’s why Highland Milling’s process is built around control, cleanliness, and care. Our team manages each step — from intake through milling — to ensure distillers receive uniform, food-grade grains that deliver measurable results:
Fermentation Consistency: Stable starch and enzyme profiles mean predictable sugar conversion and cleaner fermentations.
Flavor Development: The right balance of protein and starch supports a smooth, full-bodied spirit with depth and character.
Mash Efficiency: Controlled granulation allows for optimal extract potential while minimizing viscosity issues in the tun.
Custom Grind Sizes: We tailor grind profiles to your system — whether you’re using a hammer mill, roller mill, or specific mash/lauter configuration.
We understand that distillers operate in a world where precision and repeatability matter just as much as creativity. That’s exactly where we aim to help.
Our Barley and Rye Offerings
Highland Milling supplies food-grade barley and rye products carefully cleaned, milled, and batch-tested to meet the specific needs of distilling operations.
Rye Berries
Rye Flour (#16, #20, #25)
Barley Products (Click to View):
Pearl Barley
Pearl Barley Flour
Ground Pearl Barley
Packaging options range from 25KG bags for craft and pilot programs to Super Sacks and bulk delivery for production-scale distilleries.
Each lot is tested for key metrics such as moisture, absorption, and purity — ensuring your grain inputs are as consistent as your process.
From Field to Fermentation: A Supply Chain You Can Count On
As part of the Cerco Group, Highland Milling operates with the strength of an integrated network that spans sourcing, logistics, production, and quality control. That means your distillery benefits from:
Consistent Supply: Reliable access to premium barley and rye throughout the year.
Traceability: Confidence in where your grains come from and how they’re handled.
Milling Expertise: Decades of experience optimizing grain performance for food, beverage, and specialty applications.
Personal Service: A dedicated team that understands the unique challenges of craft and commercial distilling alike.
Located in Bancroft, Idaho, we’re proud to support American agriculture and the hardworking teams who bring grain to glass. Our commitment goes beyond milling — it’s about partnering with producers who take pride in their product, just like we do.
Partnering for Quality and Innovation
Whether you’re experimenting with a new grain bill, refining mash efficiency, or scaling a seasonal release, Highland Milling can collaborate to fine-tune your inputs. Our team regularly works with distillers to adjust grind sizes, moisture levels, and specifications to meet individual process goals.
We also understand that sustainability and transparency are growing priorities in the spirits industry. By maintaining direct relationships with trusted growers and managing every link in our supply chain, we help distillers tell a story that begins in the field — one rooted in integrity and care.
Cheers to the Distillers
Every bottle tells a story — of craftsmanship, patience, and precision. At Highland Milling, we’re proud to be part of that story.
From mash efficiency to flavor development, we’re here to make sure your grains work as hard as you do. Whether you’re crafting a one-off small batch or a flagship whiskey, our goal is the same: to help you distill excellence from the ground up.
Cheers to a season of quality grains and great whiskey.
