A taste-based challenge: Keeping the magic of beer without alcohol

06 Jun 2022

Barley, hops, water, yeast – the raw materials from which an infinite number of beer dreams can be crafted. The fifth element? The people behind it, their love, their passion and the community they create. The “Brewing Ambition” film series showcases innovative brewers who are taking an ancient process into the future with their creative ideas – for the benefit of people and the planet. Included in the series is a story about an extraordinary award-winning, non-alcohol beer made with brewing technology from GEA.

A taste-based challenge: Keeping the magic of beer without alcohol

“We’re going to call them both Ghost Ship, so they have to taste the same. We had to deliver on that promise.”– Fergus Fitzgerald, Head of Production, Adnams

– Fergus Fitzgerald, Head of Production, Adnams

Adnams is a 150-year-old brewery located in the small coastal town of Southwold in southern England. When Adnams decided it wanted to produce its first alcohol-free beer, it didn’t choose just any beer. It set a goal to replicate its award-winning, best-selling Ghost Ship variety. Using GEA technology, Adnams created Ghost Ship Citrus Pale Ale at 0.5% alcohol by volume, qualifying it as an alcohol-free beer, and snagging the company the coveted gold World Beer Award in 2019. Despite the lack of alcohol, it is a Ghost Ship in body and soul.

Here's where the magic happens: Adnams Brewery, in Southwold, southern England, is de-alcoholizing its most popular beer, Ghost Ship, with GEA technology.

Here's where the magic happens: Adnams Brewery, in Southwold, southern England, is de-alcoholizing its most popular beer, Ghost Ship, with GEA technology.

#Brewing Ambition celebrates culture of brewing

Presented by The Brewers of Europe and produced by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions, the GEA film is part of the Brewing Ambition series, a kaleidoscope of stories by and about brewers and other industry professionals.

The film series showcases the people whose craft, creativity and innovation fill our glass. It traces the importance of taste, legacy and longevity in the beer industry. And it tells the story of how brewers are embracing the future of brewing with sustainable, scalable solutions. Among those featured in the film, include GEA’s Project Engineer, Dr. Andrea Goos, and Adnams’ Head of Production, Fergus Fitzgerald, who reflect on the journey together.

A spirited Ghost Ship – without alcohol: GEA's project engineer Dr. Andrea Goos and Fergus Fitzgerald, leading the production at Adnams, recall the joint project.

A spirited Ghost Ship – without alcohol: GEA's project engineer Dr. Andrea Goos and Fergus Fitzgerald, leading the production at Adnams, recall the joint project.

“I really love supporting our customers like Adnams in solving their problems and making them more sustainable.”– Dr. Andrea Goos, Team Lead Project Engineering GEA

– Dr. Andrea Goos, Team Lead Project Engineering GEA

You can explore this fascinating series about the power of beer beginning May 26, 2022, at www.brewingambition.com.

If you are located in the UK or China, please use this link: www.brewingambition.eu.

GEA Brewing Club: The lucky ones

GEA Brewing Club: The lucky ones

She has converted the garden shed into a small home brewery. He's turned a former kid's bedroom into a brewing oasis. Tastings among enthusiasts are pure joy: In the GEA Brewing Club, a dedicated group of employees share their passion for brewing. Everyone's welcome regardless of skill or background. “Being a brewer is not mandatory. But having a passion for beer and its production is a must,” says Dr. Mark Schneeberger, Senior Director Application Development Beverages and Beer at GEA. “For us, beer is an expression of creativity. Any preference or mood can be shaped into a specific flavor. We're very privileged to be able to share our ideas and experience, whether brewing is just a hobby or part of our profession." A bock beer was recently bottled and distributed to colleagues, and the next variety will be served at the Club's summer event. So cheers, dear beer friends!
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