Chemistry Meets Craft: UNCW Students Help Create Beer with Mad Mole Brewing

A chemistry pun has evolved into a unique community partnership that blends science, education and craft brewing.

Earlier this year, faculty from the UNCW Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry reached out to Wilmington's Mad Mole Brewing, noting they have a shared appreciation for the word "mole."

"In chemistry, the mole is one of our most beloved units," said associate professor Wendy Strangman. "When I saw a brewery called Mad Mole, I thought we should probably be friends."

What began as a conversation about hosting a brewery tour for UNCW's Chemistry Club turned into something more. After meeting with master brewer Dano Ferons, they decided to create a custom beer in collaboration with UNCW students.

Over the course of a day, approximately 30 undergraduate and graduate chemistry students visited Mad Mole Brewing to help develop the new beer. Ferons walked them through the brewing process and got them involved in moving valves and preparing hops. They also learned about the science behind brewing, including fermentation, flavor chemistry and the molecular compounds that create distinctive aromas and tastes.

The collaboration resulted in an Elemental IPA called Avogadro's Legend. The name honors Amedeo Avogadro, the scientist whose work led to the concept of the mole. The beer's alcohol content was intentionally crafted to be 6.02% ABV, a nod to Avogadro's number (6.02 × 10²³), one of the most recognized constants in chemistry.

"The students played a major role in developing the recipe for Avogadro’s Legend, exploring different malts, aromas and hop profiles," said taproom manager Sarah Woosley '18. "They brainstormed with Dano on how each ingredient would affect the final beer, learning the details of body, clarity and final flavor. We can't wait for this beer to be released."

The release date also carries scientific significance. The beer will debut on Oct. 23 celebrated internationally as Mole Day. The public is invited to celebrate Mole Day and try Avogadro's Legend during the release event (begins at 4:30 p.m.) at Mad Mole Brewing on Oct. 23.

While the beer itself is a limited release, the chemistry department hopes the partnership will have a lasting impact.

"We talked about making this an annual tradition," said Strangman. "The idea is that every year, students will work with the brewery to create a beer and celebrate Mole Day together."