The Power of Testing

By: TJ Grisel, Beyers Analytical Brewing Sciences, LLC

​How many of you can remember sitting in high school chemistry class saying to yourself, “why do I have to learn this, I will never use it again in my life?”. Fast forward to now; you’re a kombucha brewer who is driven by delivering great taste with every sip. So how can you consistently deliver that great taste? Testing.

We are going to discuss the two reasons chemistry and testing will add value to your brews, no matter your current scale of operations. Testing will not only bring that consistency but will also keep you out of trouble and within regulations.

Reason #1. Quality Control
Quality Control refers to detecting errors within your process and product to ensure reliability and accuracy in order to provide the best product. There are two ways most accomplish this; either by sending out to a third party lab, such as Beyers Analytical Brewing Sciences, or by setting up an in-house lab. Using a combination of both can ensure best practices as well as affirm that your methods are accurate.

We believe that any brewer should take control in-house and utilize the common testing parameters for pH, titratable acidity and alcohol by investing in equipment or test kits. There may be the slightest learning curve, but we know that your product will be better for it in the end.

Reason #2. Ensure Compliance
Every industry has standards to follow, as they should. The implications of non-compliance can be critical and can result in high costs associated with fines, corporate prosecution and reputation damage.

As a kombucha brewer, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and the FDA have set specific guidelines when it comes to how you comply with your products when selling to consumers. For this reason it is important you understand them or hire someone that is knowledgeable on the subject.
 
Brewing is an art. Brewing is a process. Brewing is science. Adopt an attitude to make testing a priority. Bring power to your process by ensuring your products meet the quality your customers are expecting as well keeping your organization out of any “hot water” with regulatory agencies.