Many brewers documented in the Year of the Local have discovered their love of brewing at University. That is also true of The Zythologist founders Daniel Rojas Sanchez, Gina Pacheco Arredondo & Shivan Tandon, although their university brewing foundation may be a little more scientific than most…
The trio met whilst studying for their PhD’s in Chemical Engineering. They all were members of Monash University’s student led brewery, Monash Brew Lab, in which they held significant positions. Applying what they’d learnt in their degrees to brewing was something they all loved & didn’t want to stop when their studies ended. It was at this point that they decided it didn’t have to. In late 2019 that they incorporated Scholars Ink, a company that they thought would bring a point of difference to the Victorian beer scene.
Brewery Type
Gypsy
Brewed At: Burnley
Region
S.E. Suburbs
Tasting Room
None
Scholars Ink? Scholars Ink was the label their first two beers came out under in early-2021, after spending over a year dialling in their beers. They were both really well crafted beers with distinctive packaging. By April 2021, the trio had announced one of the fastest brand name changes seen in Victorian craft beer. Their new name, The Zythologist, references their passion for the science of brewing. Zythology is of course the study of beer & brewing, what Oenology is to wine. They thought the new name better represents what their company will encompass.
The Zythologist want to be more than just a brewery. They are offering their skills to existing brewers to help make the industry as a whole make better beer. Having partnered with Monash University & Monash Brewlab they have access to wonderful laboratory equipment that they are making available to the broader community through their beer analytics service. Alongside their analytics lab they are also offering consulting services to existing brewers looking to improve the quality of the beer they’re making. They’re also partnering with Monash University to teach classes for Chemical Engineering students & dream of one day having their own brewing course at the university.
Somewhere down the track the plan is to have their own space; probably within Monash. Where they can combine their passion for beers, science & education. For the time being they’re working with Burnley Brewing to bring their creations to life on a commercial scale. If The Zythologist can pull off half of the things they plan on doing, they’ll be a fascinating brewery to follow over the next few years!
Their first release under The Zythologist label is interesting to say the least. It’s billed as a “Whisky Aged Imperial Pastry Stout” and clocks in at 10% ABV. It’s probably not something I would ususually buy, however I think the flavours worked well. There was plenty of sweet chocolate, although it was restrained enough not to be cloying, whilst there was also some roast & vanilla notes. The whisky is still probably a little too prominent and I think will meld into the beer with a little more time on it. Their second release hit shelves in Melbourne this week, with the team putting their scientific background to good use joining the Non-Alc movement with a 0.5% Pale Ale featuring Lemondrop, El Dorado & Australian native botanicals.
Remember it’s always Beer O’Clock somewhere in the world!
