is a German-bred two-row spring brewing barley variety developed by Josef Breun GmbH & Co. KG of Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, and introduced in 1996. It quickly gained a reputation for exceptional agronomic, malting, and brewing performance, and rapidly became one of the most popular brewing barley varieties worldwide. Its genetic progenitors are two successful older barley varieties: Libelle, a highly leaf-rust- resistant variety introduced in 1974, and Alexis, introduced in 1986. See alexis (barley). Alexis, in turn, is a hybrid of Trumpf, introduced in 1973, and a wild barley variety selected for its disease resistance. This genetic heritage gives Barke comparatively short, strong stalks as well as a superior resistance to many common barley diseases, including leaf rust, leaf scald, net blotch, and mildew. Hectare yields for Barke, therefore, are fairly high in most growing environments. Outside of Germany, Barke has been planted throughout Scandinavia and in the UK, France, and South America.

In the malting plant and in the brewery, Barke is favored because of its relatively large overall kernel diameter, good kernel homogeneity, good germination potential, superior diastatic power, excellent extract yield, high apparent attenuation, moderate levels of soluble nitrogen, and low beta-glucan values. Its friability rating is average. See friability. Also, worts from Barke-derived base malts tend to maintain their color well during the kettle boil, which is why Barke malts are particularly popular for making blond ales and lagers, especially Pilsners. In the finished beer, Barke can impart a rich malt aroma and contribute a creamy head with good foam stability.

Thomas Kraus-Weyermann