Tumwater Falls Lab

Superior QA Testing in the PNW

Tumwater Falls Laboratory Logo with Border

Tumwater Falls Lab provides quality assurance testing services for the Pacific Northwest craft beverages industry.

Employing an advanced range of analytical tools, Tumwater Falls Lab generates exceptionally high-quality data to help brewers, cider makers, and distillers produce outstanding products. The laboratory is TTB certified for beer and participates in the ASBC and BAPS proficiency programs to ensure accurate results. 

Tumwater Falls Laboratory is a collaboration with South Puget Sound Community College’s nationally recognized Craft Brewing & Distilling programs. Revenue from Tumwater Falls Lab is reinvested in our students through scholarships, grants, and program funds.  

Catalog of Services

We are continually developing methods to analyze alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer, cider, kombucha, and spirits. Would you like an individual test or package not listed? Let us know via email: tumwaterfallslab@spscc.edu 

Packages Minimum Volume Price Per Sample
Basic Alcohol
ABV, ABW, and Specific Gravity
150 mL $40.00
Basic Beer Panel
ABV, ABW, Specific Gravity, Original Extract, Real Degree of Fermentation, Apparent Degree of Fermentation, Real Extract, and Calories
150 mL $80.00
Beer Panel
ABV, ABW, Specific Gravity, Apparent Extract, Real Extract, Calories, IBU, pH, and Color
250 mL $120.00
Beer Bitterness by HPLC
Humulinones, Iso-a-acids, a-acids, and b-acids reported as mg/L. Individual analytes in these groups are reported as a percent of the total chromatographic area.
50 mL $100.00

Individual Tests Minimum Volume Price Per Sample
Alcohol as ABV or ABW 150 mL $20.00
Bitterness 50 mL $60.00
Calories by Anton Paar 150 mL $30.00
Titratable Acidity 100 mL $30.00

Fees* Price Per Sample
Distillation Fee
For cream-based beverages requiring distillation before analysis
$60.00
Sample Processing Fee
For turbid samples requiring filtration or clarification before analysis
$20.00

*The client will be contacted to approve of any applicable fees before analysis is initiated.

Explore & Work With Us

FAQs

Q: What is the process to get samples tested?

A: Fill out a sample submission form on our website. The laboratory will reach out to you to set up a sample drop-off date and time using your preferred contact method. Label your samples with "Samples for Analysis Only" and transport them to the lab at 4200 Capitol Blvd SE Tumwater, WA 98501. Call the lab when you arrive at 360-706-6680. 

Q: Who is testing my sample?

A: Fully trained staff and students of Tumwater Falls Laboratory will test your sample. They perform annual demonstrations of proficiency for each test method and have their sample and quality control results checked by the Laboratory Manager before data is released to you.

Q: What is the standard turnaround time?

A: Results are issued 1-5 business days after receipt by the laboratory. Turnaround times are approximate. Laboratory staff will work to accommodate special requests when possible.

Q: How are reports issued?

A: Reports are issued as PDFs to the email address(es) provided on the sample submission form. Reports are issued to other individuals only with written approval from the client listed on the sample submission form. Laboratory staff are trained to keep client results in confidence to protect the integrity of the client's brand.

Q: What are your payment terms?

A: Tumwater Falls Laboratory accepts credit card payments. Each invoice carries a unique link enabling online payment after service. Terms are Net 30 days from the date the invoice is issued. Failure to pay within the net term period may lead to suspension of further services until outstanding invoices are resolved. Please indicate billing contact/address details on the sample submission form to ensure timely delivery of invoices.

QA Testing Supports Students

The Lab also provides undergraduate students with real world QA experience in a truly state-of-the-art environment. SPSCC students are invited to complete undergraduate research projects as part of their UGR coursework. Student projects have included the development of a PCR assay for diastatic yeast, teaching the MALDI-TOF to identify brewery specific spoilage organisms, quantifying bitterness analytes in beer by HPLC, and more! Students are also employed by the lab to produce data for our clients under the supervision of the Laboratory Manager. Money earned through testing services is reinvested into the Craft Brewing & Distilling programs to enhance student learning. Thank you for your support!

Two students in science of brewing classroom with safety goggles