Beverage Services
We love craft-made beverages just like you! In order to serve the craft brewing industry, vintners, and distillers (and assist those who make such delectable ambrosia), we have beverage testing services. Our mission is to provide exceptional quality lab tests at affordable prices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are these prices for real?
Absolutely! These are not special prices, introductory offers or gimmicks. This is also not some crazy scheme to get free booze (yes, we get asked this a lot. We admit to loving craft-made beverages...but we don't taste or drink your samples). We are offering what we feel are fair prices for these tests and have made extensive efforts to make the tests affordable.
Absolutely! These are not special prices, introductory offers or gimmicks. This is also not some crazy scheme to get free booze (yes, we get asked this a lot. We admit to loving craft-made beverages...but we don't taste or drink your samples). We are offering what we feel are fair prices for these tests and have made extensive efforts to make the tests affordable.
How can the tests be this cheap?
We prefer the term “affordable”…but you can use “cheap” if you prefer. We have set our prices based on the actual costs to us to run each sample plus the cost of our actual time spent. We own all of our equipment…we don’t have any debt to service and we can pass those savings along to you. We have also developed smaller versions (microscale) of assays where possible to reduce costs and chemical waste.
We prefer the term “affordable”…but you can use “cheap” if you prefer. We have set our prices based on the actual costs to us to run each sample plus the cost of our actual time spent. We own all of our equipment…we don’t have any debt to service and we can pass those savings along to you. We have also developed smaller versions (microscale) of assays where possible to reduce costs and chemical waste.
I've always heard you get what you pay for. What do I get for these prices?
Probably a lot more than you would expect. Your samples will be handled directly by a Ph.D. scientist from receipt at our door until the data reaches you. Your samples will be tested using “gold standard” methods and your data given to you in an easy to understand format. We also provide official paperwork for TTB audits and state liquor license labeling requirements. We are also happy to discuss your data with you at any time. If we have any concerns about your data, we will contact you before we send the final data. We keep your samples in a controlled environment for two weeks after receipt so we can rerun tests if needed (please contact us for any questions or concerns regarding your test results).
Probably a lot more than you would expect. Your samples will be handled directly by a Ph.D. scientist from receipt at our door until the data reaches you. Your samples will be tested using “gold standard” methods and your data given to you in an easy to understand format. We also provide official paperwork for TTB audits and state liquor license labeling requirements. We are also happy to discuss your data with you at any time. If we have any concerns about your data, we will contact you before we send the final data. We keep your samples in a controlled environment for two weeks after receipt so we can rerun tests if needed (please contact us for any questions or concerns regarding your test results).
What is the best way for me to ship my samples?
Please make sure your samples are well packed against breakage - Polyethylene plastic (PE) can shatter too! Make sure that your samples are secured against leaking. If you prefer to not send a capped glass bottle, Parafilm is a wonderful material as it seals even when threads fail. We request that you do not use the US Postal Service to ship your samples. We prefer FedEx, UPS, or DHL as shipping providers. Below are containers that have been used to ship samples successfully.
Please make sure your samples are well packed against breakage - Polyethylene plastic (PE) can shatter too! Make sure that your samples are secured against leaking. If you prefer to not send a capped glass bottle, Parafilm is a wonderful material as it seals even when threads fail. We request that you do not use the US Postal Service to ship your samples. We prefer FedEx, UPS, or DHL as shipping providers. Below are containers that have been used to ship samples successfully.
Please label the package with the terms "yeast sample for testing" or "test sample" or other similar labeling. Please do not label anywhere on the exterior of the shipping package with the words "beer", "wine" or "alcohol", as it will be unshippable. Please include a copy of your receipt in the box with your sample(s) so that we can more easily correlate your sample with your order.
How much sample do I need to send?
We request that you send a sample volume sufficient for us to obtain a representative sample and to repeat any test if necessary. Please note, if you are requesting multiple tests, some volumes listed below are more than what we absolutely need. If you have specific questions, please contact us. Our basic guidelines for sample sizes are:
Full Panel: 16 oz (500 ml)
Basic Panel: 8-9 oz (250 ml)
IBU: 3-4 oz (100 ml)
Color/SRM: 3-4 oz (100 ml)
ABV/ABW: 8-9 oz (250 ml)
pH: 3-4 oz (100 ml)
VDK (Diacetyl): 8-9 oz (250 ml)
Titratable Acids: 3-4 oz (100 ml)
We request that you send a sample volume sufficient for us to obtain a representative sample and to repeat any test if necessary. Please note, if you are requesting multiple tests, some volumes listed below are more than what we absolutely need. If you have specific questions, please contact us. Our basic guidelines for sample sizes are:
Full Panel: 16 oz (500 ml)
Basic Panel: 8-9 oz (250 ml)
IBU: 3-4 oz (100 ml)
Color/SRM: 3-4 oz (100 ml)
ABV/ABW: 8-9 oz (250 ml)
pH: 3-4 oz (100 ml)
VDK (Diacetyl): 8-9 oz (250 ml)
Titratable Acids: 3-4 oz (100 ml)
How do the bottles need to be labeled? Do you use bar codes? What names do I need to use for my samples?
Labeling for your samples is entirely up to you- what names you give us is what we report. We do not use a bar code system during our analyses. If you are ordering multiple tests on multiple samples, please clearly indicate to us what testing you want for each sample (e.g., give us a list or label the bottle. How you let us know is up to you).
The only exception is if you are interested in State labeling/TTB audit paperwork. In order to have the correct official paperwork, please ensure the name you give us matches the name you wish to give to the State.
Labeling for your samples is entirely up to you- what names you give us is what we report. We do not use a bar code system during our analyses. If you are ordering multiple tests on multiple samples, please clearly indicate to us what testing you want for each sample (e.g., give us a list or label the bottle. How you let us know is up to you).
The only exception is if you are interested in State labeling/TTB audit paperwork. In order to have the correct official paperwork, please ensure the name you give us matches the name you wish to give to the State.
I would like my sample bottles returned to me. Can you accommodate this?
Absolutely. Simply order one unit of "Return My Sample Bottles" in the shopping cart with your order. The price for this service is $12 for less than 6 sample bottles and $18 for more than 6 sample bottles. We ship empty bottles via the USPS using their flat-rate Priority Mail service.
Absolutely. Simply order one unit of "Return My Sample Bottles" in the shopping cart with your order. The price for this service is $12 for less than 6 sample bottles and $18 for more than 6 sample bottles. We ship empty bottles via the USPS using their flat-rate Priority Mail service.
Why don’t you offer 24 hour turn-around? What is your turn-around time?
Just like brewing quality beverages takes time and attention, providing quality analysis services takes time and attention. We need a minimum of 36 hours after receipt in order to analyze your sample to our quality standards. We do not offer overnight service because we cannot give your samples the time or attention we feel they deserve. We usually tell people to expect data within 5 business days of us receiving the sample. If for some reason the data will be delayed beyond 5 business days, we will contact you. If you need rush data, please contact us and we will try to accommodate you (extra fees may apply).
Just like brewing quality beverages takes time and attention, providing quality analysis services takes time and attention. We need a minimum of 36 hours after receipt in order to analyze your sample to our quality standards. We do not offer overnight service because we cannot give your samples the time or attention we feel they deserve. We usually tell people to expect data within 5 business days of us receiving the sample. If for some reason the data will be delayed beyond 5 business days, we will contact you. If you need rush data, please contact us and we will try to accommodate you (extra fees may apply).
Do you offer gluten testing?
Our interest in this area is real and extensive as we have friends and family members affected by Celiac Disease. Unfortunately, there is currently no truly reliable test that is able to ensure that a beer brewed using wheat, rye, barley and their derivatives is safe to be consumed by a gluten-sensitive person. While we can certainly tell you if your beer is or is not free of the full protein called gluten, fermentation results in variable levels of hydrolysis (breakdown) of the proteins. We cannot currently accurately test for the gluten fragments that can still cause the sprue attacks common to Celiac and other gluten-sensitive patients. Please understand that we are keenly sensitive to the issues regarding residual gluten fragments in "gluten free" products. There are some interesting research studies which are ongoing in the field of Celiac disease. If and when a reliable test becomes available, we will consider offering this analysis.
Our interest in this area is real and extensive as we have friends and family members affected by Celiac Disease. Unfortunately, there is currently no truly reliable test that is able to ensure that a beer brewed using wheat, rye, barley and their derivatives is safe to be consumed by a gluten-sensitive person. While we can certainly tell you if your beer is or is not free of the full protein called gluten, fermentation results in variable levels of hydrolysis (breakdown) of the proteins. We cannot currently accurately test for the gluten fragments that can still cause the sprue attacks common to Celiac and other gluten-sensitive patients. Please understand that we are keenly sensitive to the issues regarding residual gluten fragments in "gluten free" products. There are some interesting research studies which are ongoing in the field of Celiac disease. If and when a reliable test becomes available, we will consider offering this analysis.
Do you offer bulk prices?
Yes, our sample requirement for bulk pricing is one test. All kidding aside, we offer bulk prices to everyone for every sample tested. Our prices are based on fixed costs to us that do not change based on the number of samples run.
Yes, our sample requirement for bulk pricing is one test. All kidding aside, we offer bulk prices to everyone for every sample tested. Our prices are based on fixed costs to us that do not change based on the number of samples run.
What if I have a question or concern about my data?
Please contact us. We are available by phone 8 AM- 8 PM Central Time Sunday through Friday or feel free to email us. If we don't answer, we are probably busy in the lab analyzing samples. We will return your call as soon as we are able (usually less than 48 hours).
Please contact us. We are available by phone 8 AM- 8 PM Central Time Sunday through Friday or feel free to email us. If we don't answer, we are probably busy in the lab analyzing samples. We will return your call as soon as we are able (usually less than 48 hours).
Do you offer …..?
If there are tests you would like that we do not currently offer, please ask. We are always happy to discuss your needs and will investigate the possibilities. Please be aware that we do not offer tests until we are 100% certain that the test is accurate and precise.
If there are tests you would like that we do not currently offer, please ask. We are always happy to discuss your needs and will investigate the possibilities. Please be aware that we do not offer tests until we are 100% certain that the test is accurate and precise.