How to Brew Glow-in-the-Dark Beer
Glow-in-the-dark beer? This is not just a creation made up for a sci-fi movie! It’s an actual thing. Homebrewers, get ready because you can brew it and drink it too!
By The Beer Community on Jan. 08, 2018
One company has the idea to make beer glow in the dark by genetically modifying yeast with jelly-fish DNA
Glow-in-the-Dark … Beer?!
Yes, you read that right. Josiah Zayner is a mad scientist and the founder/owner of The Odin, a company created to make science and genetic engineering accessible and affordable.
The Odin has introduced a kit promising to “genetically engineer any brewing or baking yeast to fluoresce“. The $160 kit description states that it “can make your yeast fluoresce and glow by inserting a gene from a jellyfish, the Green Flourescent Protein (GFP)”
“I figured that the genetic revolution would truly begin when consumers could create something tangible in their homes using genetic design. Yeast was something I knew we could start working with.” – Josiah Zayner
Does the Glow-in-the-Dark Beer Brewing Kit Actually Work?
I think we’re all thinking the same thing. Does it actually work?! Luckily Terrence O’Brien from Engadget tried the DIY glow-in-the-dark beer kit and shared his results:
“The results of my grand experiment were successful … ish. The yeast certainly glowed and the first couple of samples pulled from the fermenter did as well, but, as the beer settled and the yeast dropped out of my brew, the glow became fainter and fainter. By the end, it was a pale glimmer rather than a blinding glare.” – Terrence O’Brien
Food & Wine suggests trying a “yeastier” beer. Think Wits, Hefeweizens and other wheat beers!
Have you tried to make your own DIY glow-in-the-dark beer? Let us know! We can’t wait to hear your “glowing” reviews.