Brewlab conducts research into brewing topics, particularly ones relevant to small scale production and has partnered breweries, institutions and suppliers to develop initiatives and unique products.
Example research studies
Chevallier barley
A long-term research project conducted in collaboration with the John Innes Research Centre has investigated the potential of the historic Chevallier barley variety. Initial work with the University of Sunderland identified the strong disease resistance of the variety and a further PhD investigated how this could be transferred in a breeding experiment to more modern varieties. The potential of Chevallier was determined using Brewlab’s production brewery providing information to support the release of the variety to the brewing trade.
Filter efficiency
Beer filtration can cause a major reduction in protein and a subsequent effect on head retention as well as blinding filters and slowing processing. Brewlab worked with a major filter producer to investigate this problem. Assessing the specific adsorption of proteins on filter materials allowed the development of materials and processes to optimise filtration and limit the effects on beer quality.
Beer line hygiene
Dispense of beers is a major area of product contamination and is critically dependent on the hygiene of the beer lines. Brewlab worked with a major manufacturer of beer lines to assess the hygiene of different polymers on biofilm production and allow the development of better dispense systems.