Wilmington, North Carolina Patent of the Year – 2024/2025
Mad Mole Brewing LLC has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for brewing innovation. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 11932834, titled ‘Method and device for adding hops to a fermentation vessel’, streamlines dry hopping for craft brewers by making the process safer, cleaner, and more efficient.
This patent introduces a novel system that allows hops to be added to a sealed fermenter without exposing the beer to oxygen or contaminants. The design includes a pressurizable canister that attaches directly to the fermenter, enabling hop delivery under pressure with minimal disruption to fermentation.
The result is better flavor consistency, reduced risk of spoilage, and easier cleanup. Brewers can now experiment with late-stage hop additions without risking batch quality. It also saves time and labor, which is a major win for small- to mid-sized operations.
Mad Mole Brewing LLC, known for its solar-powered operations and commitment to sustainable practices, continues to push the boundaries of craft brewing. This invention reflects the team’s focus on innovation that supports both quality and efficiency in the brewing process.