In the rapidly evolving craft beer sector, the Client, a leading craft brewery in Thailand, faced a persistent challenge: replicating the juicy flavors and aromatic profiles of American Hazy IPAs. Despite years of effort, their team struggled with water chemistry, mineral additions, and hop usage, which remained rooted in traditional IPA practices. Yeast strain selection and dry hopping protocols also required a complete overhaul. This technical gap limited their ability to compete with international benchmarks and constrained portfolio growth.
First Key approached the challenge with a data-driven, partnership-oriented methodology. We delivered both IPA and DIPA recipes, accompanied by detailed process descriptions covering every step from brew day through packaging. Our consultants worked daily with the Client’s brew team, leveraging real-time communication to guide time-sensitive actions and optimize the beer’s trajectory. Strategic interventions included tailored water chemistry and mineral additions, with clear rationales linking process changes to desired sensory outcomes. This hands-on collaboration ensured the Client’s team understood not just the “how,” but the “why” behind each adjustment, fostering sustainable operational excellence.
The results were immediate and measurable. The Client reported that both beers achieved the sought-after qualities that had eluded them for years. With new process knowledge and proprietary recipes, the Client is now positioned to expand their hazy beer portfolio, gaining a competitive edge over local craft brewers. This strategic transformation unlocked a quantifiable business opportunity: accelerated portfolio growth, improved product quality, and enhanced market differentiation. First Key guided the Client to move from technical challenge to market leadership, demonstrating the impact of expert consulting in driving sustainable growth and innovation.
