Experts Margaux Huismann, Stephanie Brindley, and Todd Isbell discuss biotechnology advancements in brewing, including yeast flavors and carbonation, genetic modification, traditional Norwegian yeast strain, challenges in the agricultural sector, and blending traditional methods with new biotechnology for unique flavors.
The brewing industry has seen significant growth, resulting in a wide variety of beer styles and increased competition.
Advancements in biotechnology have greatly improved the taste and quality of non-alcoholic beers, opening up new opportunities in the low and no alcohol market.
Deep dives
The Growth of the Brewing Industry
Over the past few decades, the brewing industry has experienced significant growth and transformation. In the early 90s, there were less than 400 breweries in the US, but now there are nearly 10,000. This growth has resulted in a wide variety of beer styles and increased competition. With advancements in transportation and technology, breweries can access exotic ingredients and deliver them to consumers quickly. The industry has become highly innovative, requiring breweries to continually improve their skills and knowledge to stay ahead.
Advancements in Low and No Alcohol Beers
The low and no alcohol sector of the brewing industry has seen remarkable advancements in recent years. Traditionally, non-alcoholic beers had a bland and unappealing taste. However, breweries have made significant progress in creating flavorful, non-alcoholic options. Through techniques like reverse osmosis and selective breeding, breweries can now remove alcohol while maintaining the beer's aroma and hop character. This development has opened up new opportunities for reaching consumers who either choose not to consume alcohol or prefer low-alcohol options. The low and no alcohol market is growing rapidly and offers great potential for future expansion.
The Importance of Yeast and Future Innovations
Yeast plays a crucial role in the brewing process, influencing the flavor and aroma profile of beers. The focus on yeast's significance has increased in recent years. Researchers have conducted studies on different yeast strains, exploring their effects on carbonation levels, bubble size, and overall beer perception. Advances have also been made in genetically modified yeast, which has the potential to enhance flavor and speed up the fermentation process. Additionally, researchers are investigating the use of novel yeast strains like Kvikest, which can ferment at higher temperatures and reduce brewing time. The future of biotechnology in brewing will likely involve further improvements in yeast selection and manipulation to create unique and high-quality beers.
How much do we understand about brewing ingredients and the advances that are taking place in this integral part of the sector? With that in mind, we brought together three leading names from across the brewing spectrum to find out…
In this panel discussion, which took place at our Brewers Congress in London, top of the agenda was biotechnology past, present, future and how to harness it.
In this episode we hear from Margaux Huismann, Stephanie Brindley and Todd Isbell, who share their brewing expertise and observations of the changes taking place in this fast-moving industry.
Panel host Margaux Huismann works for Molson Coors as a Research and Development manager She got her start in the industry by doing a Masters in Brewing & Distilling and completing her PhD on Understanding the Physical-Chemical stability of Dry-Hopped Beer.
Stephanie Brindley is a brewing scientist with more than 10 years of experience in the industry. As a technical representative at Murphy and Son, she is passionate about the science, creativity, and social aspects of beer.
And completing the panel is Todd Isbell. A graduate of the Master Brewers program at UC Davis in California, Todd has been a professional brewer for more than 20 years. He is currently the Senior Brewing Technician at the University of Nottingham and International Centre for Brewing Science.
Photo: Noelia Amado
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