This seminar series covers a range of topics, including hop-picking windows for enhanced aromas, the role of biotechnology in brewing innovation, and overcoming challenges in malting barley due to climate change. Other sessions address alternative hop selection methods for small breweries, contributions to public hop breeding, sustainable brewing with regenerative ingredients, and recent research impacting the craft beer industry.
Exploring Hop Picking Windows and Their Impact on Aroma and Flavor
This seminar explores the impact of harvest dates on hop aromas and beer flavors. Learn about in-field sensory techniques and testing to gauge harvest readiness for optimal aroma. Discover collaborations between brewers and growers to extend harvest windows, enabling a broader range of hop aromas and unique flavor profiles in beers.
Exploring the Boundaries of Innovation: Biotechnology and Brewing Ingredients
The seminar, co-hosted by the Brewers Association (BA) and Master Brewers Association of the Americas (MBAA), delves into genetic engineering (GE) basics in brewing, encompassing hops, malt, and yeast research, regulatory nuances, and industry impacts. Craft brewers leverage GE technology for innovative brewing, explored with insights from industry experts and regulatory insights.
North American Malting Barley Challenges and Technical Solutions
Recent climate trends have posed challenges for maltsters and brewers, exemplified by the 2021 North American crop’s low quality. This seminar explores strategies to overcome such hurdles, including adjusting malt treatment, conducting qualification brews, and collaborating closely throughout the growing season. Flexibility and collaboration between maltsters and brewers are emphasized for success.
Selecting Quality Hops: Alternative Methods for Small Breweries
This seminar offers brewers alternative methods to traditional hop selection, emphasizing quality improvement. It covers the necessity of selection, various options, risk mitigation, system building, and effective communication with suppliers. Listen to learn practical strategies to enhance your brewery operations and strengthen your partnerships with hop suppliers.
The Next Great Hop: What’s New in Public Hop Breeding and How You Can Contribute
In this seminar, United States Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Research Service (USDA-ARS) hop geneticists Dr. John Henning and Dr. Kayla Altendorf present experimental hop varieties in public breeding programs, highlighting Advanced and Elite Line stages. Also, representatives from the Hop Research Council and Hop Quality Group detail programs aiding public hop breeding and brewer involvement.
Brewing with Climate-Friendly Regenerative Ingredients: A Gateway to New Customers
Explore the brewing industry’s connection to sustainability in a lively panel discussion. Learn how breweries are adopting climate-friendly grains and processes to create appealing beers for eco-conscious consumers. Panelists, including a brewer, economist, and Whole Foods Market buyer, discuss the rewards and challenges of malting with climate-friendly grains, emphasizing the financial investment and transformative impact on meeting consumer demand.
Researcher Presentations
Researchers present findings relevant to the craft beer industry. Topics include hop variety impact on hop creep, efficient detection of glycosidic nitrile genes in malting barley, methods for hop lot matching, assessing hop aging using the Hop Storage Index, and mitigating fermentation issues caused by microflora.
Want to Explore More Learning Opportunities?
The Brewers Association offers online courses to members via our online training center.
Resource Hub