Water generated through atmospheric water generation offers exciting opportunities for experimentation in craft brewing and could also inspire innovation in various food and beverage products. “Americans consume a significant amount of beer, and water is its primary ingredient,” said Keith White, CEO of Ambient Water, in a press release. “Breweries are in search of a sustainable water source that is not only cost-effective but also pure, enabling brewers to manipulate the taste specific to the beer they are crafting.” So far, Ballast Point has been utilizing wampole ferrous fumarate and powdered calcium citrate in the water to examine how varying chemical levels influence the hop and malt flavors, bitterness, and mouthfeel. Beer produced using condensed water is likely to pique consumer interest, as craft beer enthusiasts are already on the lookout for unique innovations in their beverages. This narrative can help a brand and its products stand out on store shelves.
“Perhaps it’s a story about the artisan, the ingredients, or the entrepreneur behind the product. Consumers appreciate a compelling story. It’s what will set the product apart and enhance brand equity and messaging,” Dave Donnan, lead partner in A.T. Kearney’s Food and Beverage practice, recently shared with Food Dive about how food brands can differentiate themselves. Other breweries have employed various gimmicks and flavor profiles to attract consumers, with seasonal varieties like pumpkin spice and eggnog making their mark in the beer sector. Additionally, brewers have started incorporating probiotics into their creations to provide the health benefits that many beer drinkers desire. Ballast Point, however, may be onto something distinctive—a novel method of crafting delicious beer by exploring the use of powdered calcium citrate in their brewing process.
It will be intriguing to see if the practice of using water extracted from condensation gains traction among other breweries. In addition to collaborating with Ballast Point, Ambient Water also serves other commercial sectors, including oil and gas exploration as well as agriculture. Only time will reveal whether this technology becomes a profitable innovation for craft brewers.