
The UKs First Beer Laboratory
Allsopp’s was a pioneer in introducing the first laboratory to brewing in 1845. The rigorous testing and quality controls led to a more consistent product.
In 1862, a German scientist called Griess was appointed as Chief Chemist to Allsopp’s brewery.
“he was interested in playing with explosives."
Nothing is known of his ability in his ordinary duties, but there must have been anxious moments at the Brewery, as it is known that he was interested in playing with explosives.
Griess' Crystals The Bust of Head Chemist Griess
His own account of his discovery of a new explosive, nitrate of diazobenzol, is worth repeating:” I wanted quiet, so I was at work one Sunday morning."
He continued: “I suppose I accidentally pressed a few crystals, as they blew up, smashing all the things around, and threw me down on the floor.”
“What did you do next?” asked a friend.
To which Griess replied, “It was clear that I had done enough, so I went off to lunch."