Chemistry and Brewing Unite at Mad Mole Brewing
A creative collaboration has emerged between the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Chemistry Club and Mad Mole Brewing, combining the worlds of science and craft beer. This partnership was sparked by a shared appreciation for the term “mole,” a fundamental concept in chemistry.
Faculty members from UNCW’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry reached out to the Wilmington-based brewery to explore potential joint activities. Associate professor Wendy Strangman noted, “In chemistry, the mole is one of our most beloved units,” reflecting on the connection between the two institutions. This initial outreach aimed to organize a tour of the brewery for chemistry students but quickly expanded into a collaborative brewing project.
Students Participate in Brewing Process
Approximately 30 students from both undergraduate and graduate programs participated in the hands-on brewing experience at Mad Mole Brewing. Under the guidance of master brewer Dano Ferons, students engaged in various brewing activities, including managing valves and preparing hops. They also gained insights into the scientific principles that underpin the brewing process, such as fermentation and the chemical interactions that produce unique flavors and aromas.
This educational endeavor culminated in the creation of a unique beer named Avogadro’s Legend, an Elemental IPA. The name pays tribute to Amedeo Avogadro, whose scientific contributions helped establish the concept of the mole. Additionally, the beer features an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 6.02%, a clever reference to Avogadro’s number, which is a fundamental constant in chemistry.
Celebrating Mole Day with a Special Release
The official launch of Avogadro’s Legend is set for October 23, coinciding with Mole Day, an international celebration of the mole in chemistry. The release event at Mad Mole Brewing will begin at 4:30 p.m., inviting the community to join in the festivities and sample the new beer.
While this brew will be available for a limited time, the partnership between UNCW and Mad Mole Brewing is expected to endure. Strangman expressed hopes for an ongoing tradition, stating, “The idea is that every year, students will work with the brewery to create a beer and celebrate Mole Day together.” This initiative aims to foster a lasting relationship that combines education with community engagement in the realm of craft brewing.
Source: UNC Wilmington
