[vc_row][vc_column][vc_images_carousel images=”41109,41110,41111″ img_size=”full” speed=”3000″ autoplay=”yes” hide_pagination_control=”yes” wrap=”yes”][vc_column_text]Meantime’s Ciaran Giblin has become the first brewer to brew a beer dictated by his own DNA, using cutting edge genetic profiling to map personal propensity to specific flavours.
Ciaran has brewed a small batch of a Double IPA with a strongly bitter flavour profile, matched to his genetic inclination toward bitter flavours and aversion to specific sweet foodstuffs.
Following the initial success of the DNA-mapped brew, the brewer has today announced the launch of Meantime Bespoke, a one-of-a-kind service aimed at offering passionate craft beer fans the opportunity to brew the ultimate in personalised beer, using genetic profiling to individually tailor it to harmonise with their palate.
As part of the £25,000 exclusive package, clients will have their DNA analysed by pioneering personal genetics company 23andMe to reveal the genetic variants that could explain personal preferences towards specific flavour profiles within beer such as sweetness and bitterness.
Hereditary variations in a person’s oral taste receptors (the TAS2R38 gene) will be used to help determine their perception and proclivity to sweet and bitter profiles, primarily based on the ability to detect propylthiouracil — a chemical similar to the bitter compounds found in cabbage, raw broccoli, coffee tonic water and certain dark beers.
Following analysis of an individual’s genetic make-up via a saliva sample, Meantime’s team of brewers will use the individual genetic insights as a basis to help inform the flavour profile of a personalised brew, before offering a one-to-one consultation with Meantime’s brewmaster to input on the creative process.
With exclusive access to the state-of-the-art pilot brewery and on-site laboratory, Meantime Bespoke clients will also have the opportunity to get hands on with the physical brewing process by adding hops, grain and testing the mix.
Receiving a minimum of 12 hectolitres of their unique brew — equivalent to more than 2,000 pints — clients can also choose to name their tailor-made beer, working alongside Meantime’s creative team to put their individual touches to the packaging design.
The package includes a study course, The Knowledge, to allow clients to gain a deeper understanding of the brewing process. The modules include key ingredients of beer, evaluation of and faults in beer, how to taste beer, and a session on world beer styles.
Once bottled, the brew will be hand-delivered to clients. The Meantime Bespoke package can be further enhanced for an extra cost, with additional exclusive features including:
- The custom beer poured in the Meantime Tasting Rooms, credited to the client and kegs being made available in the client’s local pub.
- A set of personalised laser-etched pint glasses, with further options to have a glass moulded to fit one’s hand.
- Consultancy time with a creative agency and illustrator to design and produce a label for the new brew.
Ciaran said: “Over the last 12 months we have been constantly experimenting with ways in which to exploit the ultimate potential of our pilot brewery. This piece of brewing kit is set up to create uniquely innovative beers, personally created by different Meantime brewers with the success measure of each beer being people’s enjoyment of it.
“We’re big on the belief that if something is worth doing you have to do it like you mean it and really go the extra mile. I was determined to step things up a notch and bring personal preference to the forefront with the intention of brewing the ultimate beer. This led us to the creation of a beer specifically tailored to one person… me.
“Having been aware of the potential of at-home genetic mapping, I sent a simple saliva sample to 23andMe; the results gave me the tools I needed to develop a recipe based on the elements my senses are most attuned to enjoy. I’m delighted with the result and opportunity it has given us to really push the boundaries of innovative, personalised brewing.”
Following the successful test brew of this one-of-a-kind pale ale, the recipe has been scaled up and will be available as a seasonal brew from The Meantime Tasting Rooms in Greenwich.
Prospective beer makers can find full terms and conditions and further information on Meantime Bespoke at www.meantimebrewing.com/bespoke or via e-mail to bespoke@meantimebrewing.com for enquiries. Ciaran’s DNA-mapped beer will be available as part of the Pilot Series range in February.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
