German brewery develops world's first powdered beer
LONDON (CBS/CBS Newspath/WKRC) - A German brewery is causing a stir with what it claims is the world's first powdered beer. While it's a concept to which some connoisseurs may have trouble raising a glass, creators say it's all all about helping the environment.
A novel idea is in the hopper at one of Germany's oldest breweries. Brewmasters say the future of beer is here... just add powder, water and stir.
"We've invented a completely new product," said Stefan Fritsche, general manager at Kloserbraurei Neuzelle. "Beer powder like this is the first in the world."
Creators say the eco-friendly concept could cut the need for bottles, crates and kegs; it would reduce the heavy carbon footprint of beer exports and slash the weight of deliveries by 90-percent.
"We could save up to 5-percent of CO2 emissions in Germany alone. Worldwide, it could be a gigantic sum," said Fritsche.
Makers say the first tastings of the powdered beer, dubbed the "dryest beer," have been promising -- delivering a real beer taste, light or dark, complete with carbonation and the signature froth.
But the intoxicating invention is alcohol-free for now. Brewers are hoping to add that element in the final stages before rolling out the powdered potion to the market by the end of the year.
This same brewery in East Germany invented an anti-aging beer nearly 20 years ago that was released in the United States, Poland, and South Korea.
