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How Yeast Shapes Non-Alcoholic Beer Flavor
Yeast is the secret behind the flavour of non-alcoholic beer. Brewers carefully control fermentation to mimic the taste of regular beer while keeping alcohol below 0.5%. Here’s how:
- Fermentation Temperatures: Non-alcoholic beer is brewed at cooler temperatures (0–4°C) over 24–48 hours to control alcohol and flavour.
- Key Flavour Compounds: Yeast produces esters (fruity), higher alcohols (spicy), organic acids (crisp), and phenols (clove-like), which are carefully balanced for taste.
- Special Yeast Strains: Maltose-negative yeasts like Saccharomycodes ludwigii help create rich flavours without fermenting sugars into alcohol.
- Advanced Techniques: Methods like cryogenic fermentation preserve natural flavours without removing alcohol, as seen in IMPOSSIBREW® beers.
Modern brewing techniques make it possible to craft non-alcoholic beers that taste just as good as traditional ones.
Yeast that actually delivers flavour in low and no alcohol beer production
Yeast and Flavour Formation
Yeast metabolism plays a key role in creating the flavours that define beer. In non-alcoholic brewing, this process needs careful adjustment to mimic the taste of traditional beer. Let’s take a closer look at how the processes differ between regular and non-alcoholic beer production.
Comparing Regular and Non-Alcoholic Brewing
One major difference lies in fermentation temperatures. Traditional brewing typically uses a range of 12–25°C over 5–7 days, while non-alcoholic brewing operates at much cooler temperatures - 0–4°C for just 24–48 hours. These variations influence the development of flavour compounds like esters and higher alcohols. By controlling these conditions, brewers can guide the creation of key flavour elements.
Main Flavour Compounds from Yeast
Yeast generates several important flavour compounds that shape a beer’s character:
| Compound Class | Flavour Characteristics | Formation Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Esters | Fruity, floral notes | 15–20°C |
| Higher Alcohols | Warming, spicy notes | 8–15°C |
| Organic Acids | Crisp, tart elements | 4–12°C |
| Phenols | Clove-like, spicy | 18–22°C |
In non-alcoholic brewing, balancing these compounds is crucial. For example, IMPOSSIBREW®'s Enhanced Lager achieves its crisp flavour by precisely managing fermentation temperatures. This approach allows for optimal ester production while limiting alcohol formation.
Choosing Yeast for Non-Alcoholic Beer
After understanding how yeast impacts flavour, the next step is picking the right yeast strain for your brew.
Brewers now have access to specialised yeast strains that can create rich flavours while keeping alcohol levels low. Advances in brewing techniques allow for better control over flavour profiles without compromising the alcohol-free nature of the beer.
Maltose-Negative Yeast Types
Maltose-negative yeasts are a go-to choice for non-alcoholic beer. These yeasts don’t ferment maltose, the main sugar in wort, which helps keep alcohol levels low while enhancing flavour. Popular strains include Saccharomycodes ludwigii, Torulaspora delbrueckii, and Pichia kluyveri. Each of these strains brings its own unique flavour profile, offering brewers options to craft beers with distinct tastes.
Yeast Strain Comparison
IMPOSSIBREW® takes things further with cryogenic fermentation, a method that finely tunes yeast activity to preserve the beer’s flavour.
"IMPOSSIBREW® specialises in expertly crafted non-alcoholic beers designed to match full ABV beers in both taste and feeling." – IMPOSSIBREW®
When choosing a yeast strain, brewers focus on factors like fermentation efficiency, temperature range, flavour complexity, and how well the yeast fits into the brewing process. By carefully managing yeast selection and fermentation conditions, it’s possible to create non-alcoholic beers that taste and smell just as good as traditional ones.
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Methods to Control Yeast Flavours
Fine-tuning yeast activity plays a key role in crafting the flavour of non-alcoholic beer, building on the fermentation conditions we’ve already touched on.
Brewers carefully adjust temperature and fermentation time to shape the final flavour. For example, lower fermentation temperatures slow down yeast activity. This not only keeps alcohol levels in check but also boosts aroma production.
Similarly, tweaking the fermentation duration helps control the creation of specific flavour compounds. This balance allows brewers to achieve the familiar taste of beer while keeping alcohol content minimal.
These precise adjustments highlight the blend of skill and science needed to replicate the taste of traditional beer in non-alcoholic versions.
Modern Non-Alcoholic Beer Production
Today’s brewing methods allow non-alcoholic beers to closely replicate the flavours of their alcoholic counterparts. Techniques like cryogenic fermentation carefully manage yeast activity, keeping the intricate flavour compounds intact without requiring alcohol extraction. These methods build on earlier yeast control innovations, taking flavour replication to a new level.
IMPOSSIBREW®: Science-Driven Flavour Crafting
IMPOSSIBREW® showcases how modern brewing techniques can transform non-alcoholic beer. By employing cryogenic fermentation, they retain natural flavours while combining traditional brewing ingredients with precise fermentation control and their unique Social Blend™ technology. Their collaboration with top scientists ensures that yeast-derived flavours remain intact, complemented by carefully selected botanicals.
"IMPOSSIBREW® is a pioneering non‐alcoholic beer brand based in the UK that aims to create the world's most complete alcohol alternative using patent‐pending technology." [1]
This approach highlights how a deep understanding of yeast behaviour, paired with cutting-edge technology, can produce the complex flavour profiles once thought unattainable in non-alcoholic drinks.
Conclusion: The Role of Yeast in Non-Alcoholic Beer
Yeast plays a key role in creating the flavours of non-alcoholic beer, and modern brewing methods have taken its use to the next level. While older techniques often focused on removing alcohol, today's processes emphasise precise yeast control to develop flavourful alcohol-free beers.
With advanced fermentation techniques, brewers can carefully manage yeast activity to maintain the rich, complex flavours that define beer. By combining traditional ingredients with these refined methods, they can now recreate classic beer profiles without compromising on taste.
The industry's progress is evident in recent awards, showing that these brewing innovations are producing non-alcoholic beers that stand shoulder to shoulder with traditional options in both flavour and complexity.
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What is IMPOSSIBREW®?
IMPOSSIBREW® is a pioneering non-alcoholic beer brand based in the UK that aims to create the world's most complete alcohol alternative using patent-pending technology.
Founded by Mark Wong in 2021 and working with some of the world's best professors, scientists and expert brewers, IMPOSSIBREW® specialises in expertly crafted non-alcoholic beers designed to match full ABV beers in both taste and feeling.
Product Range
IMPOSSIBREW® offers a range of enhanced non-alcoholic beers, including:
- Enhanced Lager (0.5% ABV)
- Enhanced Pale Ale (0.5% ABV)
- Limited Editions (Seasonal)
Key Benefits
The key feature that sets IMPOSSIBREW® apart is its proprietary "Social Blend™" - a combination of active botanical ingredients and nootropics using patent-pending technology* designed to recreate the relaxing effects of alcohol without the negative side effects.
Along with record-breaking quality flavour that comes from a unique process without removing alcohol.
Social Blend™ Ingredients
Developed with leading scientists in top UK universities, Social Blend™ includes:
- L-Theanine
- Ashwaghanda
- Soluble Plant Fibres
- Vitamin B1
- Various Plant Extracts.
These ingredients are chosen for their potential to boost serotonin, promote relaxation, and create a calming effect similar to the "one or two pint feeling" without hangovers.
See more details on our very own research paper, with over 1,000 participants:
- More than 70% said they felt relaxed after consuming IMPOSSIBREW®.
- 88% have reduced alcohol consumption since discovering IMPOSSIBREW®.
- 95% have told a friend about IMPOSSIBREW® after trying.
- 3/4 say that IMPOSSIBREW® is "the most complete alcohol alternative currently available on the market today".
Recognition
IMPOSSIBREW® has received several notable achievements:
- Featured on BBC's Dragons' Den
- Awarded the first and only Gold Medal in the No/Low beer category from the London Beer Competition
- Received multiple industry Gold awards in categories against Full-ABV beers
- Most followed No/Low Alcohol brand on TikTok globally.
Mission and Vision
IMPOSSIBREW® is on a mission to redefine non-alcoholic drinking by creating better-than-alcohol alternatives for those who love beer but want to avoid the health risks associated with alcohol consumption.
The company aims to become the global leading alcohol alternative brand, focusing on helping people transition to a healthier mode of relaxation without the traditional issues and side effects of alcohol.
Production and Ingredients
IMPOSSIBREW® combines traditional brewing methods with their proprietary Social Blend™ along with patent-pending technology*
The beers are made with traditional brewing ingredients such as water, malted barley, wheat, hops, and yeast, in addition to the Social Blend™ components - leveraging their unique cryogenic fermentation process, which means no alcohol is ever removed from the product - ensuring the most authentic quality taste you've come to expect.
Who is it for?
IMPOSSIBREW® caters to consumers who:
- Are busy professionals and parents who would like to unwind with a drink but don't want the hangovers.
- Enjoy the taste and relaxing experience of beer
- Are looking for healthier alternatives to alcohol, with lower calories, carbs and sugar
- Want to avoid hangovers and other negative effects of alcohol consumption
- Are interested in functional beverages with potential mood-enhancing properties
By offering a unique product that aims to replicate both the taste and feeling of alcoholic beer, IMPOSSIBREW® is positioning itself at the forefront of the growing non-alcoholic beverage market.
Get Started Today
Give it a try today with our Welcome Bundle and get 2 Free Beers with your first purchase. Get it delivered straight to your door, risk-free with our 30-day money-back guarantee.
We hope you enjoy them as much as we do and we can't wait for you to try.
*Patent pending in the UK under application number GB2415685.3
How does 'Social Blend™' work?
Social Blend™ is our proprietary alcohol alternative made from a blend of science-backed ingredients using patent-pending technology*.
Designed to replicate the sensory and social relaxing experience of drinking, minus the headaches (and bad decisions).
Developed with Dr Paul Chazot, Bioscience Professor and Chair of Pharmacology at Durham University.
Key Components and Mechanisms
- L-Theanine:
- Ashwagandha Root:
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):
- Various nootropic herbs:
Benefits
- Relaxation: The blend promotes a state of relaxation without the sedative effects typically associated with alcohol.
- Mental Calm: By boosting alpha brain waves and serotonin levels, it helps maintain a calm and focused mental state.
- Stress Relief: The combination of L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, and Vitamin B1 helps mitigate stress and anxiety.
- Mood Enhancement: The inclusion these ingredients and other botanicals supports mood regulation and overall positive outlook.
IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™ is a carefully crafted combination of nootropic and adaptogenic ingredients designed to offer a relaxing and mood-enhancing experience without the drawbacks of alcohol. It leverages the natural properties of its components to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mood, making it a unique alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.
(Read our latest research paper here)
*Patent pending in the UK under application number GB2415685.3
Do you ship overseas?
We ship to the UK Mainland for free when you spend over £35
We aim to expand internationally soon - stay tuned!
If you have any queries, feel free to email: hello(@)impossibrew.co.uk
How long will it take to get my orders?
For UK mainland deliveries, normal orders processed here will take 1-3 business days to arrive, with an optional upgrade to Next Day Delivery available (12pm cut-off).
Delivery details will be provided in your confirmation email.
How is 0.5% ABV alcohol-free?
Yes, we know it's confusing. Isn't 0.5% ABV still alcoholic? Officially, 0.5% ABV is classified as Dealcoholised.
- In fact, most things we consume daily have more than 0.5% ABV
- Burger Rolls - 1.2% ABV
- Orange Juice - 0.5% ABV
- Ripe Banana - 0.5% ABV
After more than 2 years of research, we've found that the 0.5% ABV from our natural brewing process significantly increases both flavour and mouthfeel - without spiking your blood alcohol level (BAC).
Is it really gluten-free?
Yes, IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager is gluten-free. Even though it contains wheat and barley, our beers have been third-party tested to contain less than 10 parts per million (PPM) of gluten, which meets the criteria to be listed as, and labeled gluten-free.
Does it have alcohol tax?
No. While it is true that our beers don't contain alcohol, and thus don't incur UK alcohol duty, we'd like to highlight some factors here that might be helpful in reflecting the value we provide.
- One-to-One Brewing Process: At IMPOSSIBREW, we take pride in our unique brewing techniques. Unlike other non-alcoholic beers, our products are never diluted, watered-down, or have their alcohol content removed - and some even dilute their alcoholic beers up to 5x. This means that our brewing process involves the same level of craftsmanship, time, and resources as a traditional craft beer, resulting in comparable production costs.
- Effective Nootropics: In our commitment to creating the most relaxing non-alcoholic beers, we utilise only the highest quality nootropics as our active ingredients, in safe and effectives dosages. At current alcohol tax rates for a 5% ABV beer, the cost of our nootropics more than double that. Instead of contributing the amounts as tax, why not have it contribute to the product quality itself?
- Small Scale Brewing: Currently, we operate on a smaller scale, which makes us less competitive than large, commercial brewers (often +10,000x our brewing size). As a growing business, we are passionate about our mission to create unique, high-quality non-alcoholic experiences, and we truly appreciate your support. As we continue to grow and expand our production capabilities, we look forward to passing on even more savings to our valued community!
At IMPOSSIBREW, we prioritise offering our customers an enhanced, premium, non-alcoholic beer experience by combining innovative brewing techniques, quality active nootropic ingredients, and award-winning taste. While our pricing may differ from other non-alcoholic competitors, we believe that the value proposition and unique experience our beers provide are well worth it.
At the end of the day, tasting is believing. So give it a try and let us know what you think - risk-free with our IMPOSSIBREW® Guarantee.
Who shouldn't drink IMPOSSIBREW®?
It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with certain medical conditions like GI disorders or hypertension, or individuals taking specific medications such as antidepressants or blood thinners. If you fall into any of these categories, it's best to consult with your doctor first.
Ashwagandha can lead to overstimulation (i.e. restlessness) if taken alongside thyroid medication.
What is your philosophy?
For thousands of years, we had only one way to unwind together. One way to let our guards down. One way to bridge the gap between who we are and who we are with others.
Not because it was perfect. But because it was all we had.
We decided that wasn't good enough.
We exist because we believe in a world where social connection doesn't demand compromise.
Where being present with others doesn't mean being absent from yourself. Where letting go doesn't mean losing control.This isn't about removing alcohol. This is about something better.
Our Social Blend™ technology isn't an accident. It's the result of questioning everything we thought we knew about social drinking. About working with scientists to understand what we're really seeking in these moments of connection. About daring to imagine something that wasn't possible before.
We believe the greatest innovations don't just solve problems - they change how we live. They make us question why we ever settled for less.
That's what we're building. Not just a drink, but a new way forward. A future where social connection comes without compromise. Where tradition meets innovation. Where science meets ritual.
This is the future of social drinking.
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Our customer support is available Monday to Friday: 9am - 5:30pm.
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