What process begins with soaking barley to initiate germination?

The process that begins with soaking barley to initiate germination is known as malting. This vital step in beer production involves several stages where barley grains are soaked in water, allowing them to germinate. During germination, enzymes are activated that convert the starches in the grain into fermentable sugars. After a period of germination, the grains are then dried in a kiln, which halts the germination process and preserves the enzymatic activity necessary for brewing.

Malting is critical because it sets the foundation for the flavor and character of the resulting beer. The correct choice highlights not just the starting point of the process, but also the importance of converting starches to sugars, which are essential for fermentation and the development of the final product.

The other processes listed, such as roasting, steeping, and kilning, are important in brewing but play different roles. Roasting refers to applying heat to grains, affecting their color and flavor. Steeping is part of the malting process but does not encompass the entire series of activities involved. Kilning, meanwhile, occurs after germination and is part of the malting process but does not begin it. Together, these terms illustrate the complexity of grain preparation in brewing, but the correct answer