Abstrax Hops, the science-forward flavor company disrupting the beer world, has officially announced the nine finalists for the 2025 Skunkworks Lounge competition at the Craft Brewers Conference in Indianapolis.
This year’s showdown includes a major twist: the introduction of a Wildcard winner selected by Untappd users. For the first time ever, the public had the power to push one standout beer into the national spotlight—and onto the final stage.
The Final 9 – Who’s Pouring at Skunkworks Lounge
- Breakside Brewing
- Cigar City Brewing
- Fast Fashion Beer
- Hi-Wire Brewing
- Hop Butcher for the World
- New Realm Brewing Co.
- Von Ebert Brewing
- Mountains Walking – Reigning 2x Champion
- New Trail Brewing – Untappd Wildcard Winner
Each finalist was selected for their fearless use of Abstrax’s cutting-edge hop and flavor technologies – from dank cannabis-inspired aromatics to the juiciest fruit-forward terpene blends.
The Rules Are Simple: Taste. Vote. Crown a Champion.
CBC attendees will be the judges. Every guest who visits the Skunkworks Lounge will sample all nine experimental beers and cast a vote for their favorite using Untappd’s live voting feature.
The brewery with the most votes will take home:
- $5,000 cash prize
- Hotel + Registration for CBC 2026
- The Skunkworks Trophy
- An automatic bid in next year’s competition
- Ultimate bragging rights for an entire year
About Skunkworks Lounge
Now in its third year, Skunkworks Lounge is Abstrax Hops’ premier experimental brewing showcase. It’s not just a competition—it’s a live flavor lab where the industry’s boldest brewers go head-to-head using Abstrax’s most advanced tools:
- BrewGas Series – Cannabis-inspired, TTB-approved flavor profiles
- Skyfarm Series – Ultra-bright, fruit-forward terpene blends
- Omni Hop Profiles – True-to-type varietal hop recreations
- Quantum Series – Hop-derived extracts with unmatched flavor & efficiency
Untappd Partnership Elevates the Competition
This year, Abstrax Hops partnered with Untappd to introduce the Wildcard program, democratizing part of the competition. Brewers Association members across the country submitted their most creative Abstrax-infused beers for a chance at the ninth finalist spot. Untappd users then voted by checking-in their favorite entries, with the beer receiving the most check-ins securing the Wildcard position.
Untappd will also facilitate voting at CBC, allowing attendees to check in and vote for their favorite “Best in Show” finalist, enhancing the interactive experience.
Don’t Just Read About It—Drink It.
The Skunkworks Lounge is open throughout CBC 2025. Visit the Abstrax Hops booth to sample the beers, meet the brewers, and be part of the future of craft.
Follow @AbstraxHops and @SkunkworksLounge on Instagram for live updates and the winner reveal.
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