The Rise of Micro Brewers

Gases are used for many things, but did you know they are also used for food and drink? Gases are incredible substances and, without them, the world would be a different place, as they are used for a variety of industries. Just how helpful is gas for the food and drink sector?

Adams Gas are leading bottled gas suppliers in the UK and we will delve into the rise of micro brewers and the impact they have on food and drink.

What Are Micro Brewers?

A microbrewery is an independently-owned brewery that produces a small amount of beer that is typically lower than that of large scale corporate breweries. These breweries are characterized for emphasising quality, flavour, and technique. Microbrewing began in the 1970s and has since expanded over the years.

Carbon Dioxide in Food and Drink

Carbon dioxide is a highly important gas, as we produce it from our own lungs when we breathe out after converting the oxygen we breathe in. Carbon dioxide is used for many purposes, such as  welding gas and surgery, but it can also be used to produce beverages and packaged food.

Carbon dioxide is a critical product of beer brewing. Brewers mix variable combinations of water, grains, yeast, alcohol, and carbonation, all of which give beer its unique colour, aroma and taste. Brewers now use CO₂ capture systems, sealing in the gas to give the beer natural carbonation.

During bottling, CO₂ gas is used to pre-fill each bottle before the beer is added, which minimises exposure to oxygen and reduces foam while maintaining the CO₂ in the beer.

The Effect on Beers and Wines

Pubs will serve beer with CO₂ unless it is a craft beer, as it gives beers and lagers their signature bubbles. Beer varies widely, and one of the most noticeable differences is the carbonation level. There are two main ways to carbonate a beer, one of these being force carbonation.

Force carbonation is where CO₂ is forced into fermented beer and, due to this pressure and the temperature of which this is done, the CO₂ will dissolve the beer solution. The fizz that occurs when you open a beer is the CO₂ coming out of solution.

A different type of carbon dioxide is used in wine: dry ice. Condensed carbon dioxide cools the grapes to prevent fermentation. Dry ice is used as it doesn’t affect the sugar concentration of the grapes themselves.

The Rise of Micro Brewers

A study conducted in 2016 has shown that the number of breweries has risen by 8% to around 1,700 over the past year, and craft beer popularity continues to grow. This popularity has transformed micro brewers into highly profitable businesses for owners who are looking for a niche position in the food and drinks market.

At Adams Gas, we can help you to produce your own beer or wine with our products for your home bar, offering a range of rent-free gas cylinders which are perfectly suited for your requirements, from nitrogen gas bottles to carbon dioxide gas bottles.

If you would like to know more about our products and services, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team today, by calling 01843 220 596, or emailing sales@adamsgas.co.uk and we will be happy to help.