Abstrax. It’s a name that keeps popping up on our radar. The fast-growing brand markets itself as a leader in terpene and flavor innovation for the beer and cannabis industries, which sounds like a very interesting combination of expertise. The company keeps its news feed full of activity. The company just noted it is teaming up with Untappd to offer Brewers Association members a “wildcard” chance to win a $5,000 prize in the Skunkworks Lounge contest (enter here). That’s fun. But what exactly is this company all about? Let’s take a quick look.
The origins of Abstrax: A leader in botanical innovation
Founded in California in 2017, Abstrax has made its mark as a pioneer in terpene research and product development. Specializing in flavors and fragrances (also known as terpenes and aroma compounds), the company works across industries including cannabis, food and craft beverages. Some of its partners include companies like SweetWater Brewing and Curaleaf.
The company runs a state-of-the-art type 7 cannabis licensed laboratory located in Long Beach, California. This state-of-the-art facility uses cool proprietary equipment and tech (watch that video at the top). Abstrax Labs boasts what it calls its Terplytics system. Learn about “loud” cannabis strains right here. The company says this technology delivers “the most advanced botanical testing for exploratory research, sensory quantification, strain validation, quality standardization, product development, and consumer insights.” Terplytics has been described as cannabis analytics. Then, Abstrax also does things like flavoring for edibles.
Abstrax is also very big into research and reviewed research publications. The company recently studied the significant impact of minor, non-terpenoid compounds, called flavorants, on the aroma profiles of cannabis varieties, looking to enhance breeding practices.
The company launched its hops division last year. Abstrax Hops specifically specializes in research and products that push flavor, aroma and efficiency profiles in the brewing process. The company’s expertise in botanical analysis has paved the way for products like its terpene-powered Skyfarm Series and Quantum Brite extracts.
What is the Skunkworks Lounge competition?
The Skunkworks Lounge contest, organized by Abstrax Hops, is a cool competition designed to push the boundaries of brewing creativity and innovation. Now in its third year, the competition is a high-profile event at the Craft Brewers Conference , giving breweries a platform to showcase their unique brews using Abstrax’s advanced hop and flavor products. The grand prize is $5,000. From the press release:
“This is more than just a contest; it’s a celebration of creativity and community in craft brewing,” said Ross Hunsinger, Hops Brand Director at Abstrax. “By adding the Wildcard entry and incorporating fan voting, we’re inviting the public to help define the future of craft beer.”
The Skunkworks Lounge is a brewing innovation competition that began in 2023 at the Craft Brewers Conference in Nashville. It is designed as a playground for breweries to push boundaries, experiment with flavors and showcase original beers using Abstrax products. For 2025, the competition introduces an exciting Wildcard Registration through a partnership with Untappd, allowing any Brewers Association member to vie for a spot in the finals.
Breweries need only register and encourage fans to check in their beer on Untappd to secure a coveted “wildcard” spot in the finals at the Craft Brewers Conference 2025 in Indianapolis. With public voting via Untappd, craft beer lovers nationwide will help decide which brewery joins the finalists. Registration is open until December 15, 2024, and the winner will be announced in March 2025. Breweries interested in pushing the boundaries of flavor should visit Skunkworkslounge.com for more details.
Award-winning innovation
Abstrax has earned some prestigious accolades in 2024. The company ranked #94 on Fast Company’s “Best Workplaces for Innovators” and #627 on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies. These honors highlight Abstrax’s dedication to fostering innovation and empowering its employees to lead advancements in flavor and aroma technology.
New flavors and innovations for brewers
Abstrax has recently expanded its Skyfarm Series, a lineup of TTB-approved terpene-powered fruit flavors for beer and seltzers. New additions include Clementine, Grapefruit, Honeydew, Kiwi, Passionfruit and Raspberry. These flavors are designed to offer brewers consistent, vibrant profiles without the challenges of traditional fruit additives. Additionally, the company’s Quantum Brite hop extract is looking to reshape brewing practices by maximizing flavor while minimizing waste. Brewers using Quantum Brite see increased yield and cost savings, further solidifying Abstrax’s reputation for industry-changing solutions.
New hires bring expertise to Abstrax Hops and the craft beer sector
Abstrax has bolstered its hops leadership team with some impressive industry veterans. You can tell the company is gearing up. Here are some recent hires:
- Barbara Stone, National Sales Manager, brings years of experience in the brewing sector and a commitment to diversity. Her initiatives, including partnerships with Pink Boots and Lifting Lucy, aim to make craft beer more inclusive.
- Tom Nielsen, Director of Brewing and Beverage Innovation, joins after 20+ years at Sierra Nevada. His expertise in raw material sourcing and flavor development will drive Abstrax’s next wave of innovation.
- Craig Thomas, Master Cicerone, adds unmatched expertise in beer flavoring and quality. As one of only 28 Master Cicerones worldwide, Thomas brings credibility and deep industry knowledge to Abstrax.
Why brewers should watch Abstrax
Abstrax is setting new standards in flavor innovation, making it a key partner for forward-thinking brewers. From its Terplytics data analytics systems to its next level hop utilization with Quantum Brite, the company continues to move forward in both beer and cannabis. With its recent accolades and a powerhouse team of new hires, Abstrax is a brand poised to help shape the future of craft brewing. Brewers, keep an eye on Abstrax. We expect to be hearing more.
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