Aside from some of the European malt varietals that are well known (and heavily marketed), such as Maris Otter, Golden Promise, Chevalier, Optic, Halcyon, Barke, etc...
...I seldom see much discussion of US barley varietals, other than Full Pint, Wintmalt, Charles, Endeavor, and Cerveza (at least those are the only ones I've seen mentioned, that I can recall).
I just stumbled upon a mention of the Thunder varietal. Apparently a cross of Wintmalt and Charles, I think. Does anyone know anything about it? Do you know commercial maltsters who use it? Have you tasted it?
My relatives own a farm in an area of Idaho that is apparently one of the big barley producing regions, but AFAIK, they have always grown either wheat or alfalfa. Apparently a recent USDA paper was saying that Thunder barley is well suited for their area. I know NOTHING about grain farming, and only a little bit about beer, but wondered if it was worthwhile to even start a conversation about barley with farming relatives.