From Extract to Impact: How Abstrax Hops Are Shaping Beer’s Future

with Julian Shrago from Beachwood Brewing

Season 6

·

Episode 194

On the podcast this week, Nick is joined by Craig Thomas, National Account Manager at Abstrax, to take a deep dive into the science, story, and serious hop chemistry behind their innovative hop products—used by some of the most respected brewers in the industry.

Craig shares insights into how Abstrax uses cutting-edge technology to isolate and recreate the essential oils and aroma compounds that give beer its characteristic punch and complexity—providing brewers with another layer of precision and creativity.

Following this, Nick sits down with Julian Shrago, co-owner and brewmaster of the legendary Beachwood Brewing in Long Beach, California. Together, they talk about how Abstrax fits into the flavour profile of West Coast IPAs and the delicate balance between tradition and technical innovation.

The conversation broadens as they explore the current state of the US beer scene—its trends, tensions, and opportunities—and why, sometimes, moving house and judging beer might just be the same thing after all…

Please note: Abstrax have in no way sponsored or endorsed this episode—this is purely a conversation around innovation, aroma, and application.

This episode is sponsored by...

Charles Faram & Co

Charles Faram have been hop suppliers for over 150 years and has one of the largest range of hop varieties available from stock in their temperature-controlled hop storage warehouses.  Hops come nitrogen-flushed in leaf, T90 T45 pellets direct to your door, with varieties from the UK, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, New Zealand and the USA.
Faram’s provides an artist’s palette of flavours to create every type and style of beer from the traditional varieties to exciting new developmental varieties from Faram’s own breeding and development program.
Additionally, Charles Faram is a one stop shop for a wide variety of ingredients, brewing aids, yeasts, shives and keystones, fruit juice, purees, sensory training kits and brewing liquids such as HopAlpha from TNS, Skyfarm from Abstrax and HyperBoost from Yakima Chief Hops.  You name it, Farams do it so you can brew it.
And of course, the good folk at Charles Faram can help you with brewing technical advice and variety recommendations.  Visit charlesfaram.com to find out more.

Crisp Malting Group

Crisp Malt has been combining traditional and modern malting techniques at their sites in England and Scotland since 1870. They produce an impressive range of malted and non-malted products, including unique and exclusive barley malts such as Chevallier Heritage Malt and Clear Choice Malt.
As brewing malt suppliers, Crisp Malt partners with a diverse range of customers, from small independent craft breweries and whisky distillers to large global beverage companies. They take a tailored approach with every client, ensuring only the best malt is supplied for award-winning beers and whiskies.
Based at their head office in Great Ryburgh, Norfolk, Crisp Malt’s dedicated Technical Team oversees malt analysis and ensures all barley meets the highest grade. They also work closely with brewing and distilling customers, providing expert advice on brewhouse process improvements and beer recipe development. Whether troubleshooting issues in the mash tun or advising on washback challenges, Crisp Malt offers invaluable support.
Committed to sharing their expertise, Crisp Malt provides customers with production knowledge and best practices through webinars, online articles, calls, and regular site visits. Their aim is to help customers make the most of Crisp Malt products, fostering satisfaction and loyalty year after year.

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Tel: +44(0)7881 995604
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