On the podcast this week, Nick is joined by Craig Thomas, National Account Manager at Abstrax, to take a deep dive into the science, story, and serious hop chemistry behind their innovative hop products—used by some of the most respected brewers in the industry.
Craig shares insights into how Abstrax uses cutting-edge technology to isolate and recreate the essential oils and aroma compounds that give beer its characteristic punch and complexity—providing brewers with another layer of precision and creativity.
Following this, Nick sits down with Julian Shrago, co-owner and brewmaster of the legendary Beachwood Brewing in Long Beach, California. Together, they talk about how Abstrax fits into the flavour profile of West Coast IPAs and the delicate balance between tradition and technical innovation.
The conversation broadens as they explore the current state of the US beer scene—its trends, tensions, and opportunities—and why, sometimes, moving house and judging beer might just be the same thing after all...
👉 Learn more about Abstrax: www.abstraxhops.com
👉 Discover Beachwood Brewing: www.beachwoodbrewing.com

Please note: Abstrax have in no way sponsored or endorsed this episode—this is purely a conversation around innovation, aroma, and application.
THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Charles Faram & Co (charlesfaram.com)
Supplying hops for over 150 years, Charles Faram offers a vast range of nitrogen-flushed hop varieties from the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and the USA.
Crisp Malt (crispmalt.com)
Since 1870, Crisp has blended tradition with innovation, producing malts like Chevallier Heritage and Clear Choice Malt.
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