California has a fast-growing malting industry in need of local production of malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) to provide malt to a well-established craft brewing industry. ‘UC-Capay’ (Reg. no. CV-376, PI 698168, PVP application number 202100205) is the third malting barley cultivar released by the University of California, following ‘UC Tahoe’ (2016) and ‘Butta 12’ (2019). UC-Capay is an early-flowering, two-rowed spring malting barley with low grain protein content, characterized by its exceptional large and plump grains. UC-Capay is adapted to the California's Central Valley (Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys) and is resistant to all common diseases present in this region. UC-Capay is a non-glycoside nitrile producer, a trait highly valued by craft maltsters and distillers. UC-Capay meets the quality standards of a craft malting and brewing industry interested in sourcing locally grown barley.