Excellence Award in Beer Production Research 2023

For centuries, beer has been heralded as one of the most universally enjoyable drinks, one that can be partnered with any meal to create a unique tasting experience. It’s become a staple of public houses across the globe, and has remained uncontested as the go-to option for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. But there’s a fascinating science history behind the drink that most are unaware of, and we take a look into how Carlsberg Group (Carlsberg) has placed itself at the forefront of quality beer production via its astounding scientific prowess.

When you think of beer, it’s unlikely that you’d associate it with science. Chances are, you think of the gorgeous fish and chips that you’re going to partner it with, or connect it to a blissful summer’s evening. However, there’s a thought-provoking process behind the art of crafting beer into the delectable tastes that you get to experience whenever you drink it, and none of it is possible without the expertise and advances that Carlsberg has made throughout the years. By marrying creativity with science, Carlsberg has taken huge strides towards curating a perfect blend, and has undeniably mastered the art of creating beer with its application of over a century of hard work and expert brewing.

In 1875, Founder of Carlsberg, J.C. Jacobsen, began to ask himself a seemingly simple question: how do you brew beer of the highest quality? As a result of his desire to craft the best beer possible for a whole range of people to enjoy, Jacobsen established the Carlsberg Research Laboratory. He strove to uncover the chemistry of beer, and how the physiology of the organisms that went into it could be nurtured to cultivate a beer that’s truly special. He dedicated his life to acquiring as much knowledge on brewing as possible, and came to understand just how crucial science could be towards the improvement of Carlsberg’s beer.

Once Jacobsen shared his findings with the company, the laboratory gained its profound purpose – to develop beer of the highest quality, and create a model for brewing that could be adapted to appeal to anyone from any country. Now, with a global reach that’s constantly growing, Carlsberg has proven that the core values of its Founder remain to this day, and the research teams will stop at nothing to continue this astonishing innovation for years to come.

Jacobsen once said that “In working the breweries it shall be a constant purpose, regardless of immediate profit, to develop the art of making beer to the highest possible degree of perfection in order that these breweries and their products may ever stand as ideal models and so, by their examples, assist in keeping the brewing of beer in this country on a high and honourable level”. These ‘Golden Words’ serve as a constant reminder to the brilliant minds at Carlsberg that the pursuit of perfection in beer is never over, and that Carlsberg must represent what it truly means to create the best beer possible for its consumers.

As a result, Carlsberg is continually adding to its already keen understanding of how new possibilities can be reached through the art of brewing. It combines brewing with biotechnology to focus on four key areas: raw materials, yeast and fermentation, ingredients and brewing technology, all to keep working towards a scale of excellence that not many beer companies can compete with. Thanks to its avid dedication to its craft, Carlsberg has secured its place as a household name, and is sought after by a whole manner of individuals.

Carlsberg, however, remains keenly aware that beer may not suit everyone’s taste. This has led to a tight focus on exploring new ideas, all through using natural ingredients with compatible physiology, to create novel beverages and non-alcoholic alternatives to its renowned formula. Through thorough screening and testing, Carlsberg has been able to experiment with flavours and compounds to introduce a new meaning to the word ‘beer’, in a way that’s appealing to an entirely new kind of audience.

Throughout its lifespan, Carlsberg has been achieving ground-breaking results thanks to its intense research and drive to provide for as many consumers as possible. From the invention of the pH scale, a utility that has altered the scientific sphere completely, to the founding of pure yeast cultivation, Carlsberg has proven again and again that it endeavors to make an impact. Its discoveries have become instrumental, not only in the brewing industry, but to scientific practises too. Its ambition has driven it to the success it holds today, and yet Carlsberg is still aiming to go even further beyond its established excellence.

With a deep consideration for the wellbeing of our environment, Carlsberg has already started implementing the necessary changes it must make in order to truly take care of the world it’s helped to improve. Whether it’s inventing methods of sustainable farming and resourcing, to reducing its water consumption in an aim to become the brewer with the lowest energy and water consumption, Carlsberg has a plan to adapt each of its facilities to align with an eco-friendly business practise.

This, combined with its passion and dedication to improving consumer experience and furthering scientific research is what makes Carlsberg a beer company unlike any other. It values the words of its Founder to this day, and upholds the principles that were established centuries ago. Though it’s constantly adapting to current changes in our world and environment, not once has Carlsberg’s quality wavered. Its staff are respected, and its customers are its priority. So long as you can enjoy a beer unlike any other, Carlsberg will continue to do whatever it takes to deliver a beverage to you that’s formed of pure love and dedication. Bottoms up.

For further information, please visit https://www.carlsberggroup.com/