The Hop Breeding Company (HBC) and Stone Brewery have collaborated to launch a new beer ingredient, a powder made from crushed grape skins called “Phantasm.” Believed to add a luscious flavor and enhance regular beer with smells of passion fruit and guava, the ingredient was crafted using Sauvignon Blanc grapes.
The new brew, Patio Magic, is an 8.8% ABV double IPA containing the experimental hop variety 843. By fusing this with Phantasm, the beer is said to have increased fruit flavors that provide more juice and zest. Experimenting with botanicals in beer recipes is another step in discovering how natural resources can enhance and accentuate the flavor and taste of beer.
“[…] White wine grapes are pressed off of the skins, and those can be thrown away or worked back into the soil, but here they are used to develop this innovative addition to beer. Phantasm contains thiol precursors and, when used with certain yeasts and hops, can really intensify the flavour and aroma experience,” said Jeremy Moynier.
Image Credit: Stone Brewery