Improving the Taste of Beer: Genetically-Modified Yeast and the Brewing Industry

Charles Denby, co-founder and CEO of Berkeley Yeast, is on a mission to enhance the flavor of beer. But his methods are causing quite a stir. Berkeley Yeast, based in Oakland, California, specializes in genetically-modified (GM) yeast for the brewing industry. While this may sound exciting for beer enthusiasts, it also raises ethical concerns.

Yeast is a crucial ingredient in the brewing process as it converts sugars into alcohol and adds its own unique flavors. Berkeley Yeast takes it a step further by editing the DNA of yeast strains, either by removing or adding specific genes. One of their standout products is the Tropics yeast, which provides the taste of passion fruit and guava. Denby argues that using this bioengineered yeast is more reliable and consistent than relying on actual fruits or artificial flavors.

Berkeley Yeast doesn’t stop at adding flavors; they also focus on eliminating unwanted flavors. One of their yeast strains helps rid hoppy beers of diacetyl, a common off-flavor. Additionally, they have developed a yeast that can produce Belgian-style sour beer in a fraction of the time it usually takes. Craft breweries across the United States, including Temescal, Alvarado Street, and Cellarmaker, have already incorporated Berkeley Yeast’s products into their brewing process.

However, selling overseas poses a challenge for Denby as many countries have strict regulations regarding GM foods. In the UK, GM foods must be authorized by the Food Standards Agency and labeled accordingly. The discrepancy in regulations hinders Berkeley Yeast’s expansion into international markets.

Another player in the GM yeast industry is Omega Yeast Labs, based in Chicago. They recently made headlines by using gene-editing technology called Crispr/Cas9 to eliminate the gene responsible for causing hazy beer. This breakthrough allows brewers to produce clear beers, much to the delight of consumers.

Despite the industry’s embrace of GM yeast, there is still hesitancy to promote its use due to negative attitudes towards GM technology. Negative headlines surrounding genetically modified organisms and companies like Monsanto have created a stigma that beer makers would rather avoid.

In the United States, brewers have more freedom to experiment with GM yeast compared to other countries. Richard Preiss, a brewing yeast expert at Escarpment Labs in Ontario, Canada, admits that the US is a hub for innovation in this field. Brewers can incorporate genes from various sources, such as basil, to create unique flavored beers. However, new GM yeasts in the US still require approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

Lagunitas Brewing, owned by Heineken, does not currently use GM yeast. Brewmaster Jeremy Marshall acknowledges that the association of GM foods with companies like Monsanto may cause hesitation among consumers. But they have conducted trials and remain open to the possibility of using GM yeast in the future.

While the use of GM yeast promises to revolutionize the brewing industry and cater to evolving consumer tastes, it is still a topic of debate. Supporters argue for its potential to improve flavor and efficiency, while critics emphasize concerns about health and environmental risks. As the new tech economy continues to shape the future, the brewing industry must carefully navigate this ethical and regulatory landscape.

says. “But it is important for people to understand that the yeast used in brewing beer is filtered out during the process, meaning that no genetically modified organisms make it into the final product. Instead, only flavor compounds, which are essentially little bags of enzymes, are present.” However, not all brewers are in favor of gene-edited beer. Recognizing that many consumers may have concerns about genetically modified ingredients, some brewers have found alternatives. For instance, Carlsberg, one of the largest beer companies in the world, strictly adheres to a no-GM policy in the development of its brewing ingredients, including barley, hops, and yeast, as well as in the crafting of its beers.

Carlsberg takes a different approach by focusing on naturally breeding new varieties of barley and hops that possess desired traits, such as improved tolerance to environmental factors like heat or drought. This centuries-old method, known as focused cross-pollination, allows them to selectively breed plants with specific characteristics. Birgitte Skadhauge, the leader of the Carlsberg Research Laboratory in Copenhagen, describes the process as being akin to using a giant metal detector to search for gold pieces within a vast mountain. One successful result of their efforts is a new type of barley that is easier to cultivate and maintains its freshness for a longer period of time.

Looking to the future, there remains hope for the development of genetically modified beers. According to Mr. Marshall, yeast-makers like Berkeley aim to engineer an India Pale Ale (IPA) that remains fresh indefinitely, tastes consistent regardless of location, and never allows its hops to deteriorate. These manufacturers are making significant strides towards achieving this ambitious goal.

While the debate continues regarding genetically modified beers, it’s important to acknowledge the various approaches adopted by different brewers. Whether through the filtration of yeast or the natural breeding of ingredients, each method aims to ensure the production of high-quality, flavorsome beers that cater to the preferences of consumers worldwide.