How Is Beer Brewed? Interesting Facts You Probably Never Knew

Published for Carlsberg

Ever wondered how beer is made?

There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes every time you crack open a cold one!

Interestingly, only four ingredients are needed

WATER

Water accounts for 90-95% of beer

MALT
(BARLEY AND/OR GRAINS)

The type of grain used gives beer its distinct colour and aroma

HOPS

These green cone-shaped flowers contribute to the beer’s bitterness, flavour, and aroma

YEAST

Yeast helps to convert it to alcohol and carbon dioxide for the fizzy feel

Here's how beer is made:

STEP 1: MILLING

Firstly, the malt is crushed to extract its fermentable sugars.

STEP 2: MASHING

Next, it is mixed with water to form a mash.

STEP 3: BOILING

After being filtered, the liquid (known as wort) is brought to a boil and hops are added.

STEP 4: FERMENTATION

Once the wort is cooled, yeast is added to convert it into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

STEP 5: MATURATION

Beer is then left to mature to allow a full development of flavours and smooth finish.

STEP 6: FILTRATION & PACKAGING

Beer is tasted by master brewers, filtered and packed, and ready to be shipped out.

Then it’s
“Yammm... seng!”

Then, it’s,
“Yammm… seng”!

But it doesn’t stop there.

Since its inception, Carlsberg has been doing more than just brewing beer.

Read: The Carlsberg Story

In fact, did you know that Carlsberg is actually responsible for many of the things we get to enjoy these days?

Here’s a look at five ways beer has made a difference in our lives:

Can beer help us bake better?
Probably.

Tap to find out how.

In 1883, the Carlsberg Research Laboratory discovered a way to isolate a pure yeast culture, and shared it with the world.

This discovery had a surprisingly big impact on the way we live our lives today, from brewing better beer to making better bread.

Did beer help mankind advance in science?
Probably.

Tap to find out how.

In 1909, in their pursuit of making better beer, Carlsberg Research Laboratory invented the pH scale – used to measure the pH value of water, ensuring a consistently great tasting beer.

Now, it is a global scientific standard used to measure the acidity and alkalinity of any given substance.

Can beer make us better jeans?
Probably.

Tap to find out how.

In 1952, Carlsberg Research Laboratory mapped a protein degrading enzyme for the first time. This kickstarted groundbreaking progress in technology for various industries.

This same enzyme is now used by denim designers to make a new garment look old, without polluting the environment.

Can beer teach us about sustainability?
Probably.

Tap to find out how.

Printing inks have major impacts on the recyclability of packaging because often they are recycled along with paper fibres.

Hence, Carlsberg bottle labels as well as some of their carton boxes use Greener Green ink, which is modified to meet Cradle to Cradle Silver Certified™ standards for better recyclability.

Can beer support the arts?
Probably.

Tap to find out how.

In 1876, J. C. Jacobsen established the Carlsberg Foundation, which now gives almost 30% of dividends to arts, breakthrough science, and sustainability initiatives that make the world a better place.

His son, Carl Jacobsen, started the New Carlsberg Foundation to promote the role of art in Danish society, convinced that art has the capacity to enrich human life and our world.

For Carlsberg, it’s always been about having a progressive mindset, a.k.a. the pursuit of ‘better’.

175 years later, Carlsberg continues doing what they do best — coming up with scientific breakthroughs, leading sustainability efforts, and simply brewing probably the best beer in the world.

So, next time you grab a cold one...

Remember, it's more than just a beer!

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