Abstrax Hops Reinvigorates Brewing with Skunkworks 2026 Challenge

Abstrax Hops Unveils Exciting Skunkworks 2026 Competition

In a thrilling announcement, Abstrax Hops, a pioneering force in botanical flavor technology, has revealed the return of its highly anticipated Skunkworks competition. Set to take place at the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) 2026 in Philadelphia, this year's competition coincides with America's celebration of its 250th anniversary. Skunkworks 2026 encourages breweries to break through conventional boundaries, crafting unique beers that explore bold flavors and aromas in the spirit of independence.

Open Invitation to All Breweries

This year marks a significant expansion as for the first time, all breweries are invited to participate. The winner of the Skunkworks competition will receive a prize of $5,000, the coveted Skunkworks trophy, and national recognition on one of the largest platforms in the brewing industry. To qualify, all beer submissions must be submitted by January 16th of the competition year.

Two Exciting Rounds of Competition

The competition will unfold in two distinct rounds:

• Round 1: Any brewery across the U.S. can submit a beer entry that incorporates at least one Abstrax product. Importantly, the same beer must be presented at CBC, allowing for recipe improvements leading up to the event. From these entries, five outstanding finalists will be chosen to advance.
• Round 2: The selected finalists will join the reigning champion Mountains Walking on stage at the CBC. During this dynamic event, beers will be sampled anonymously to ensure an unbiased blind tasting, with industry attendees casting votes to determine the new champion.

Fostering Innovation and Community

“The Skunkworks competition has always united the brewing community through daring experimentation,” states Barbara Stone, Director of Sales at Abstrax Hops. “Opening the competition to all breweries allows us to elevate standards, providing more brewers an arena to demonstrate what’s achievable with our advanced technology.” This initiative highlights the creative potential that Abstrax’s optimized hop extracts and terpene-based solutions can unlock for brewers without sacrificing quality.

Gustav Dose, Founder and Director of Brewing at Mountains Walking, expresses gratitude for the opportunity to participate again, stating, “This contest is centered on celebrating innovation. The Skunkworks Challenge has pushed us to rethink the uses of hops and flavoring, and we’re proud to defend our championship title.”

Benefits of Entering the Skunkworks Competition

With its growing popularity, Skunkworks has become an essential attraction at CBC. Last year, over 1,000 attendees sampled beers and participated in the voting process. Breweries entering this contest enjoy various advantages:

• Visibility: Finalists will have their creations showcased before thousands of industry professionals and craft beer enthusiasts.
• Credibility: Securing a spot in the Skunkworks Finals signifies your brewery is at the forefront of flavor innovation. It establishes your establishment as a leader in creativity and quality.
• Media Coverage: Finalists will gain exposure through Abstrax’s extensive media outreach and press related to the event.
• Prizes: The winning brewery will walk away with $5,000 and a prestigious Skunkworks trophy.

Introducing a Non-Alcoholic Showcase

In a fresh twist for the 2026 competition, finalists can also enter a non-alcoholic beverage, such as hop water or NA beer, contributing to a dedicated showcase. This initiative allows attendees to explore exciting innovations in the rapidly expanding non-alcoholic beverage market, enhancing their experience at the competition.

Abstrax's Commitment to Flavor Science

Abstrax is reinforcing its commitment to flavor innovation with this year's Skunkworks event. The competition requires that all entries utilize Abstrax hop extracts or flavor solutions that ensure maximum aroma and sustainable performance without yield loss.

By winning, the brewery will not only gain $5,000 but will also receive national acclaim and the prestigious Skunkworks trophy, firmly placing their innovative approach to flavor on the industry’s biggest stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Skunkworks competition?

The Skunkworks competition is an event inviting breweries to submit innovative beers that utilize Abstrax products for the chance to win prizes and recognition.

Who can enter the Skunkworks competition?

Any brewery in the U.S. can enter, provided they include at least one Abstrax product in their beer submission.

What are the prizes for the competition?

The winner receives a cash prize of $5,000, the Skunkworks trophy, and national recognition within the brewing industry.

When is the submission deadline for entries?

All beer submissions must be received by January 16th of the competition year to be considered.

What is new for the 2026 competition?

In 2026, the competition will include a showcase for non-alcoholic beverages, allowing breweries to submit hop-infused NA offerings.

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