What is "malts"

Usage examples of "malts".

Then for whisky you smoke the shoots, which are called malts, over burning peat, until they pick up the peat and smoke flavours and are crisp.

MacGregor deplored the idea of mixing anything with his precious malts but he was vulnerable to compliments about his ginger wine.

Scanning the gantry, he guessed that when pushed he could reel off the names of over two dozen malts, straight from memory.