The Hop Breeding Company (HBC) and Stone Brewery have collaborated to launch a new beer ingredient, a powder made from crushed grape skins called "Phantasm." Believed to add a luscious flavor and enhance regular beer with smells of passion fruit and guava, the ingredient was crafted using Sauvignon Blanc grapes.
The new brew, Patio Magic, is an 8.8% ABV double IPA containing the experimental hop variety 843. By fusing this with Phantasm, the beer is said to have increased fruit flavors that provide more juice and zest. Experimenting with botanicals in beer recipes is another step in discovering how natural resources can enhance and accentuate the flavor and taste of beer.
"[...] White wine grapes are pressed off of the skins, and those can be thrown away or worked back into the soil, but here they are used to develop this innovative addition to beer. Phantasm contains thiol precursors and, when used with certain yeasts and hops, can really intensify the flavour and aroma experience," said Jeremy Moynier.
Grape-Infused Beer Recipes
Stone Brewing Debuts a Beer Made with an Ingredient Called ‘Phantasm’
Trend Themes
1. Grape-infused Beers - The use of grape skins to enhance the flavor and aroma of beers is an opportunity for breweries to offer a unique taste experience.
2. Botanical Experimentation in Beer Recipes - Incorporating natural resources such as grape skins into beer recipes can lead to the innovation of new, exciting flavor profiles in the beer industry.
3. Phantasm as a Beer Ingredient - The use of Phantasm, a powder made from crushed grape skins, in beer brewing can lead to a disruptive innovation in the craft beer industry by enhancing its flavor and aroma profile.
Industry Implications
1. Brewing - Breweries can experiment with using grape skins as ingredients to create a unique flavor and differentiate their offerings in the crowded brewing industry.
2. Agriculture and Farming - The use of byproducts, such as grape skins, in beer brewing can create new opportunities for sustainable agriculture practices and waste reduction.
3. Food and Beverage - Incorporating phytogenic additives like grape skins in beer brewing can create new, exciting taste experiences and add value to the food and beverage industry.