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Oxygen Role in Beer Fermentation
Oxygen is critical in beer brewing, but timing is everything. Early in fermentation, oxygen helps yeast grow and reproduce by building strong cell membranes. This ensures efficient sugar conversion and consistent results. However, once fermentation begins, oxygen becomes harmful, causing off-flavours and oxidation.
Key Points:
- Early Oxygen Use: Yeast needs oxygen in the first 12–24 hours for healthy growth.
- Harmful Later: Oxygen after fermentation starts leads to unwanted flavours like cardboard or sherry.
- Control Methods: Brewers use precise oxygenation techniques before fermentation and limit oxygen exposure during and after fermentation to protect beer quality.
- Measurement Tools: Optical DO meters, electrochemical sensors, and portable devices ensure accurate oxygen levels.
Striking the right balance - adding oxygen early and avoiding it later - is essential for great beer. Read on to learn how brewers manage oxygen at every stage.
How Oxygen Works in Fermentation
Yeast's Need for Oxygen
At the start of fermentation, yeast requires dissolved oxygen to create sterols and unsaturated fatty acids. These compounds are essential for building strong cell membranes, which support yeast growth and reproduction. As fermentation moves forward, the yeast's need for oxygen decreases, and too much oxygen can actually harm the process.
Oxygen's Impact on Beer Flavour
Oxygen plays a key role not just in yeast growth but also in shaping the flavour of beer. When oxygen is introduced early, it helps yeast produce esters, which give beer fruity and floral characteristics. However, if oxygen is introduced later in the process, it can cause oxidation, leading to unwanted flavours like cardboard, green apple, or sherry-like notes.
Oxygen also affects yeast metabolism, influencing how amino acids break down and how higher alcohols form. This, in turn, impacts the beer's aroma and taste. Additionally, fermentation temperature interacts with oxygen levels, which can either enhance or reduce these flavour effects, depending on the conditions.
Why Beer Yeast Needs Oxygen (and how to oxygenate your ...
Oxygen Level Control in Brewing
Managing oxygen levels carefully during brewing is key to creating high-quality beer. Each step in the process demands specific techniques to ensure proper fermentation and flavour development. This section lays the groundwork for understanding oxygen measurement methods discussed later.
Adding Oxygen Before Fermentation
Getting the right amount of oxygen into the wort before fermentation is crucial for healthy yeast growth. For standard ales and lagers, dissolved oxygen levels should typically fall between 8–12 ppm. Brewers can achieve this using methods such as:
- Injecting pure oxygen through a diffusion stone
- Using filtered air for aeration
- Agitating or splashing the wort mechanically
Temperature plays a big role here too. Most brewers keep the wort at 20–22°C during oxygenation to improve oxygen solubility. However, overdoing it can lead to unwanted esters and off-flavours, so precise monitoring is important.
Reducing Oxygen During Fermentation
Once fermentation starts, limiting oxygen exposure becomes critical to avoid oxidation and off-flavours. Modern fermentation vessels use several techniques to maintain a low-oxygen environment:
- Pressure-rated tanks that create a protective CO₂ layer
- Purging sampling ports and lines regularly
- Using closed systems for sampling or ingredient additions
- Maintaining temperature-controlled conditions to limit oxygen ingress
Keeping oxygen levels below 0.1 ppm during fermentation is the goal. Higher levels can introduce undesirable flavours and shorten shelf life.
Oxygen Control After Fermentation
Controlling oxygen after fermentation is vital for preserving beer quality. Packaging operations aim to minimise dissolved oxygen in the final product. Brewers achieve this by:
- Pre-purging packaging equipment with CO₂
- Using counter-pressure filling systems
- Maintaining positive pressure during transfers
- Testing dissolved oxygen levels regularly during packaging
For bottled beers, crown liners with oxygen-absorbing compounds can help remove residual oxygen, potentially extending shelf life compared to traditional methods.
Modern breweries often rely on advanced monitoring systems to detect even trace amounts of oxygen at every stage of the brewing process.
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Oxygen Measurement and Control Methods
Precise oxygen measurement and control are essential for producing high-quality beer.
Oxygen Testing Equipment
Breweries rely on several tools to measure dissolved oxygen effectively:
- Optical DO Meters: Using luminescent technology, these devices deliver highly accurate readings down to 0.001 ppm. They are especially useful for in-line monitoring during fermentation and packaging processes.
- Electrochemical Sensors: Integrated into larger brewing systems, these sensors offer continuous monitoring within a range of 0–20 ppm. They do require regular calibration but are dependable for consistent readings.
- Portable DO Meters: These hand-held devices allow brewers to take spot measurements at various points in the facility. Many models include temperature compensation and data logging features.
To ensure accurate readings, it’s important to clean and calibrate your equipment regularly. Since oxygen measurements can be affected by temperature, aim for consistent readings at 20°C. Beyond measurement, selecting the appropriate oxygen delivery method is equally important.
Comparing Oxygenation and Aeration
Brewers use different methods to introduce oxygen, depending on the scale and needs of the brewing process:
| Aspect | Pure Oxygen (Oxygenation) | Air (Aeration) |
|---|---|---|
| Oxygen Content | 100% O₂ | 21% O₂ |
| Time Required | 2–5 minutes | 15–30 minutes |
| Flow Rate | 1–2 L/min | 5–10 L/min |
| Equipment Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Control Precision | More precise | Less precise |
| Best Application | Large-scale brewing | Small-batch brewing |
Injecting pure oxygen allows for faster and more precise oxygen level adjustments compared to aeration. That said, both methods can yield excellent results when managed carefully.
Key factors to keep in mind for both methods include:
- Flow Rate Control: Maintaining steady flow rates ensures consistent results.
- Contact Time: Longer contact times don’t always mean better oxygen absorption.
- Temperature Impact: Colder wort absorbs oxygen more efficiently than warmer wort.
- Measurement Timing: Take readings right after oxygenation or aeration and again before pitching yeast.
Modern brewing systems now offer real-time gas flow adjustments, ensuring stable and consistent oxygen levels throughout the process.
How Oxygen Affects Beer Storage
Controlling oxygen during fermentation and packaging is just the beginning. Keeping oxygen in check during storage is equally important for preserving beer's quality.
Oxygen and Changes in Beer Flavour
Even after fermentation, oxygen can wreak havoc if not managed properly. During storage, oxygen causes oxidation, which dulls beer's flavour and aroma. This process can weaken hop aromas and alter malt characteristics, leading to unwanted off-flavours. How much the beer changes depends heavily on the storage conditions.
Keeping Oxygen in Check for Better Shelf Life
To maintain beer quality, it’s essential to store it in a stable, cool environment with minimal oxygen exposure. Brewers achieve this by using controlled packaging methods and ensuring the beer is kept consistently cool. These steps help slow oxidation and keep the beer fresh for longer.
Conclusion: Managing Oxygen in Brewing
Key Takeaways
Controlling oxygen is crucial at every stage of brewing. It supports healthy yeast activity, enhances flavour, and ensures the beer stays fresh during storage. Striking the right balance - introducing oxygen early on while preventing oxidation later - is essential for preserving beer quality, from fermentation to packaging. This careful management is central to modern brewing techniques.
IMPOSSIBREW® Brewing Techniques
IMPOSSIBREW® has introduced a game-changing approach to non-alcoholic beer production. Their cryogenic fermentation process, powered by patent-pending technology, eliminates the need for alcohol removal, resulting in consistent quality throughout [1].
"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]
Their meticulous oxygen management has earned them top recognition at the 2023 World Beer Awards. Additionally, consumer feedback highlights their impact: 71% reported feeling more relaxed, and 88% reduced their alcohol consumption after switching to IMPOSSIBREW® [1].
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Find our most commonly asked questions below or ask our AI Brewer for instant answers.
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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