Bizarre Brewing and Chuck’s Hop Shop have collaborated on a new hoppy pilsner, Pools Rules Everything Around Me, launching this Wednesday, June 14th, marking the transition from spring to summer in Seattle. Available at all three Chuck’s locations and Bizarre Brewing’s Magnolia taproom, this beer isn’t just a refreshing seasonal brew; it’s an educational experience, diving into brewing techniques like spunding and the use of Phantasm.
Chuck’s Hop Shop described the beer as “brewed with German pale pilsner malt, a touch of flaked barley, and hopped in the mash with whole leaf Cascade. We then added in a ton of Motueka hops and Phantasm. This hoppy pilsner was then fermented cold, dry hopped with more Motueka, and spunded for natural carbonation.” The use of whole leaf Cascade hops is enticing, but the terms “spunded” and “Phantasm” might be unfamiliar to many beer enthusiasts. Let’s demystify these brewing terms to fully appreciate the innovative approach behind this beer.
Spunding: Natural Carbonation’s Secret
Spunding is a traditional German brewing technique used for carbonating beer. The conventional method of carbonation involves allowing the CO2 produced during fermentation to escape. Then, once fermentation is complete, CO2 is forcibly added to the beer before packaging.
Close-up of beer being brewed in a stainless steel tank, illustrating the fermentation process
Spunding, however, captures the CO2 produced naturally during fermentation. Near the end of the fermentation process, when it begins to slow, the tank is sealed. This traps the CO2, allowing it to be absorbed back into the beer, creating natural carbonation. Brewers meticulously monitor the process. The result is often described as a beer with finer bubbles and a smoother mouthfeel. Spunding harnesses the beer’s own fermentation byproducts for carbonation.
Phantasm: Amplifying Hop Flavors with Grape Skins
Phantasm is a relatively new brewing ingredient hailing from New Zealand. It isn’t a hop, but a powder derived from the skins of Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Brewers add Phantasm during the brewing process to enhance the fruity flavors imparted by hops.
Grape skins, especially those from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in Marlborough, New Zealand, are rich in thiols. Thiols are organic compounds that contribute to a beer’s aroma and flavor profile, particularly the tropical notes that are highly desirable in many modern beer styles. Hops also contain thiols, which contribute to their characteristic aromas and flavors.
Phantasm doesn’t simply add thiols to the beer. Instead, it acts as a catalyst during fermentation. The thiol precursors in Phantasm essentially “turbocharge” the hops, unlocking and releasing more of their inherent thiols. This amplification process results in a more intense and complex fruity and tropical hop character in the final beer. Products like Phantasm, Cosmic Punch (from Omega Labs), and Thiol Boost (from Berkley Yeast) are revolutionizing how brewers maximize hop flavor.
If you’re interested in delving deeper into the science of thiols in beer, Stan Hieronymus’s article provides in-depth information on the subject.
Experience the Bizarre: A Thiolized, Spunded Pilsner Awaits
Now that you understand the nuances of spunding and Phantasm, you’re better equipped to appreciate the craftsmanship behind Bizarre Brewing and Chuck’s Hop Shop’s new creation. Pools Rules Everything Around Me promises a unique and flavorful drinking experience.
With its combination of traditional techniques and innovative ingredients, this hoppy pilsner is more than just a beer; it’s a testament to the ever-evolving world of brewing. Visit Chuck’s Hop Shop or Bizarre Brewing’s taproom this Wednesday to taste the result of this collaboration. Don’t miss out, as this special release is sure to be a limited-time offering. Cheers!
