FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General Questions
What is the Skunkworks Lounge?
The Skunkworks Lounge is a brewing innovation competition that began in 2023 at the Craft Brewers Conference. It challenges brewers to push creative boundaries using Abstrax flavor solutions. The competition celebrates the artistry of craft brewing and showcases the most innovative minds in the industry.
How does the competition work?
The competition consists of three rounds:
- Round 1: 20 handpicked brewers (Curated Craftsmen) create beers using the Skyfarm Series, BrewGas Series, and/or Omni Hop Profiles.
- Round 2: 10 brewers advance to compete for a spot in the final round at the Skunkworks Lounge using the Quantum Series.
- Round 3: The final round takes place at the Craft Brewers Conference 2025 in Indianapolis. The top 5 Curated Craftsmen compete, along with the previous year’s winner and a Wildcard entry, using any Abstrax product of their choice, to be crowned "Best in Show" based on attendee votes.
How can I participate in the Skunkworks Lounge?
Participation is invitation-only for the main rounds, with 20 brewers selected by Abstrax. However, any brewery registered with the Brewers Association can apply to compete for the Wildcard spot (Information below).
What is the judging criteria for Round 1 and Round 2?
Judging is based on a 100-point scale, focusing on aroma, appearance, flavor, body, and the effective integration of Abstrax flavor solutions.
What are the beer submission deadlines for each round?
- Round 1: November 29th. Winners will be notified on December 13th.
- Round 2: February 7th. Finalists will be informed by February 14th.
- Final Round: Beers must be shipped to the Craft Brewers Conference by March 1st, with Abstrax covering shipping costs.
What is required of the final round brewers?
2 barrels of the beer brewed in Round 2 (or another beer made using Abstrax products) needs to be shipped to CBC by March 1st. Abstrax will cover the cost of shipping to CBC.
Are there any prizes for the winner?
Yes! The "Best in Show" winner at CBC will win $5000 for their brewery, a trophy, registration, flight, and hotel for one person to next year’s CBC, and ultimate bragging rights.
Can previous winners participate again?
Yes, the previous winner automatically gets a spot in the final round to defend their title.
When will the Skunkworks 2025 “Best in Show” be announced?
The winner will be announced shortly after CBC on Instagram and also notified internally by email.
How can I stay updated on Skunkworks 2025 announcements?
Follow @AbstraxHops, @SkunkworksLounge, and @Untappd on Instagram for public announcements. Participants will be contacted via email for internal announcements, notifications, and deadline reminders.
Wildcard Questions
How do I enter to become a Wildcard participant?
Any brewery that is a member of the Brewers Association can apply for the Wildcard. Brewers must register at SkunkworksLounge.com, and the public will vote through check-ins on Untappd.
What are the requirements to participate as a Wildcard?
- Must be a member of the Brewers Association.
- The submitted beer must use at least one Abstrax Hops product.
- Registration details must be provided including beer name, style, Abstrax products used, and brewery information.
- The beer must be listed on Untappd by December 20th.
When is the registration period for Wildcard beer entries?
Registration is open November 11th - December 20th.
How does the public voting work for the Wildcard?
Beers registered for the Wildcard will be given a badge on Untappd. The beer with the most unique check-ins during the voting period will secure the Wildcard spot.
When is the voting period for the Wildcard competition?
Public voting begins on January 15th and ends on February 15th. During this time, breweries should promote to the public to try the beer and check-in on Untappd. Check-ins before or after the voting period will not be counted.
When should brewers start brewing beer for the voting period?
The beer will need to be ready for the public by January 15th, when the voting on Untappd begins. As long as the beer is ready by that date, it can be brewed as early as when it’s registered.
Can I submit a beer that has already been available?
Yes, as long as the submitted beer uses an Abstrax product and is on Untappd.
When is the Wildcard winner announced?
The beer with the most check-ins will be announced internally February 17th. It will be announced publicly on Instagram March 11th.
What is required from the Wildcard winner?
The Wildcard winner will move on to the final round at CBC. 2 barrels of the beer will need to be provided and shipped out by March 1st (date may change based on show requirements). Abstrax will help cover the cost of shipping to CBC.
Can a brewery participate in both the main competition and the Wildcard?
Yes, breweries that have been selected for the main competition and didn’t make it to the final round can compete as a Wildcard participant.
What else can the Wildcard winner expect?
To offset the cost of attending CBC, Abstrax will cover 1 registration to the show for the Wildcard winner and shipping costs of the beer to CBC.
JOIN THE REVOLUTION
Are you ready to be part of a community that pushes the envelope?
The Skunkworks Lounge is your platform to showcase your craft, connect with fellow innovators, and perhaps, claim the Best in Show award.
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