Draught beer hygiene: a forcing test to assess quality

The quality of draught beer is important to consumers but can be inconsistent, ranging from excellent through to unacceptable. The few, dated studies of draught beer quality have focused on the number of microorganisms that are present in the product. Work reported here suggests that this approach has its limitations and fails to relate to beer quality post‐dispense. An alternative approach using the long‐established ‘forcing’ method provides a better but still retrospective assessment of draught beer quality. Samples post dispense are ‘forced’ by static incubation at 30°C for four days and beer quality is ranked by the measurement of absorbance at 660 nm. The increase in absorbance reflects the growth of beer spoilage microorganisms present in the beer at dispense. Four quality bands are proposed, where quality is described as excellent (absorbance increase of <0.3), acceptable (0.3–0.6), poor (0.6–0.9) and unacceptable (>0.9). The method is straightforward, requires no special skills and enables, for the first time, the robust quantification of draught beer quality. It is anticipated that the method will have widespread application in the measurement and improvement of the quality of draught beer. Copyright © 2017 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Draught beer hygiene: cleaning of dispense tap nozzles

Draught beer quality can be compromised by the growth of spoilage microorganisms. Whilst best practice for assuring dispense hygiene is broadly recognized, it is not always fully or regularly implemented. In some markets, tap nozzles are removed and stored overnight at room temperature in carbonated (soda) water. The next morning they are returned (sometimes after rinsing) to the dispense tap. The effectiveness of this approach is compared with soaking in diluted line‐cleaning solution (UK best practice) or a solution containing hypochlorous acid (commercial sanitizing tablets). Two novel approaches – ozonated water and use of ultrasonics – were also evaluated. Bioluminescence analysis of microbial attachment to the inner surfaces of nozzles showed that soaking in carbonated water resulted in gross contamination. Sanitizing tablets achieved ‘commercial sterility’ and a 4‐log reduction in bioluminescence compared with carbonated water. The efficacy of hypochlorous acid was confirmed by incubating cleaned nozzles in fresh beer without any increase in turbidity. Diluted line‐cleaning solution was less effective and achieved a 2‐log reduction. Ultrasonics reduced microbial attachment but effectiveness was aligned to increasing process time. Soaking in ozonated water was without antimicrobial impact. This work has shown carbonated water to be ineffective in cleaning microbiologically contaminated nozzles. This is a concern as these microorganisms derive from the dispense line, the environment and likely human interaction. To minimize the risks of transfer to dispensed product or back‐contaminating the dispense line, soaking draught beer nozzles in an effective sanitizing solution is strongly recommended. Copyright © 2016 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Unfrazzled by Fizziness: Identification of Beers Using Attenuated Total Reflectance Mid-infrared Spectroscopy and Multivariate Analysis

Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy coupled with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) was used to analyse a series of different beer types in order to confirm their identity (e.g. ale vs lager, commercial vs craft beer). Multivariate data analyses such as principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were used to analyse and to discriminate the beer samples analysed based on their infrared spectra. Correct classification rates of 100% were achieved in order to differentiate between ale and lager and also between commercial and craft beer sample types, respectively. Overall, the results of this study demonstrated the capability of MIR spectroscopy combined with PLS-DA to classify beer samples according to style (ale vs lager) and production (commercial vs craft). Furthermore, dissolved gases in the beer products were proven not to interfere as overlapping artefacts in the analysis. The benefits of using MIR-ATR for rapid and detailed analysis coupled with multivariate analysis can be considered a valuable tool for researchers and brewers interested in quality control, traceability and food adulteration. The novelty of this study is potentially far reaching, whereby customs and agencies can utilise these methods to mitigate beverage fraud.     

Personality traits and bitterness perception influence the liking and intake of pale ale style beers

Bitterness is classically considered undesirable in foods and beverages. Yet, widespread commercial success of beers (like Bitters in the UK or IPAs in the US) indicate bitterness is desirable for some consumers. Here, we tested whether personality traits influence beer liking and intake. Under laboratory conditions, beer consumers (n = 109) rated liking and intensity of 2 pale ales and a lager, and intensity of two bitter solutions (quinine, Tetralone®). Participants also completed intake and personality questionnaires (Sensation Seeking, Sensitivity to Punishment and Reward, and Food Involvement). A liking ratio for each beer was calculated from each participant’s liking for that specific beer and their total liking for all beers. Participants were classified as weekly, monthly, or yearly pale ale consumers using intake data. Using intensity ratings, personality measures, and other parameters, hierarchical linear regression was used to predict liking ratios, and logistic regression was used to predict beer intake frequency. A significant interaction between Sensation Seeking and quinine bitterness (p = 0.03) was found for the liking ratio of a pale ale. The interaction revealed liking of the pale ale increased with Sensation Seeking but only if quinine bitterness was also high. Intake models showed increased odds of frequent pale ale intake with greater quinine bitterness and lower liking for lager beer. These data suggest liking and intake of pale ales is positively related to Sensation Seeking and bitter taste perception. Contrary to findings in other bitter foods and beverages, the high bitterness found in pale ales may be desirable for some consumers.     

INHIBITION OF BEER-SPOILAGE LACTIC ACID BACTERIA BY NISIN

149 strains of bacteria, mostly brewery contaminants able to spoil wort or beer, and 12 brewing strains of yeast (8 ale and 4 lager strains) have been screened using a well-test assay for sensitivity to the food preservative, Nisin (E234), Nisin inhibited growth of 92% of the gram-positive strains, predominantly lactic acid bacteria of the genera Lactobacillus and Pediococcus. In contrast, all 32 gram-negative strains tested, except 3 Flavobacter strains, were Nisin-resistant; in addition none of the brewing yeasts showed Nisin-sensitivity. Therefore. Nisin has potential applications in preventing spoilage of worts or beers by lactic acid bacteria.     

OCCURRENCE OF DIKETONES AND α-ACETOHYDROXYACIDS IN FERMENTATIONS

Diketone and α-acetohydroxyacid levels have been monitored during ale fermentations both in stirred fermentors and in a pilot brewery. It was found necessary to bring samples to neutral pH and protect them from air until assayed. Little diketone was formed during normal fermentations. Addition of sodium metabisulphite trapped α-acetohydroxyacids and high concentrations persisted in the beer. Lowering the wort pH decreased the peak concentrations of α-acetohydroxyacids without a corresponding increase in diketone concentrations. Alterations in the oxygen supply during preculture of the yeast or at pitching had little effect on diketone formation. α-Acetohydroxyacids have been detected in beer in keg from a continuous fermentation.     

Perception of Beer Flavour Associates with Thermal Taster Status

Beer flavour, and thus much of the consumer experience of beer, is determined by the sensations elicited when it is taken into the mouth. Thus, individual differences in the perception of these oral sensations may contribute to the variation in consumer behaviour. A new taste phenotype shown to associate with the intensity of oral sensations elicited by simple solutions is thermal taster status (TTS). Thermal tasters (TTs) perceive ‘phantom’ tastes with thermal stimulation of the tongue, while thermal non‐tasters (TnTs) do not. Here, we investigate the effect of TTS on the perceived intensity of bitterness, sourness, sweetness, fullness, carbonation and overall flavour intensity elicited by seven beers representing classic styles — wheat beer, brown ale, pale ale, low‐alcohol lager, standard lager, high‐alcohol lager and stout. A strong trend was observed for TTs (n = 20) to rate attributes higher than TnTs (n = 20) for all beers except the stout, with these differences significant in many instances (ANOVA or binomial analysis). It is concluded that TTS may be an important determinant of individual differences in the perception of beer flavour, but beer liking and preference are more complex phenomena than can be accounted for by this phenotype alone.     

Physicochemical characterization of special persimmon fruit beers using bohemian pilsner malt as a base

This study involved the production of special fruit ale beers with different concentrations (100:0%, 75:25%, 50:50% and 25:75% v /v) of barley malt and persimmon juice from the ‘Rojo Brillante’ variety. Fermentation took place under beer quality control parameters and the influence of persimmon juice on beer quality was investigated. Colour, turbidity, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, sugars, organic acids, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and ethanol formation were determined during the fermentation process. These fruit beers, whose alcoholic contents were within the standards (3.6–5.63% v /v ethanol), were characterized by a normal acid pH (3.97–4.13) with citric and lactic acids the most abundant organic acids, a clear golden colour without turbidity [2.05–2.83 European Brewery Convention units], intermediate total phenolic compound values (283.0–327.1 mg GAE/L) and antioxidant activities between 1.65 and 5.78 mm TE/L. The persimmon beverage which contained 75% fruit juice was the most valued and preferred by the panelists followed by the 50:50% wort–persimmon beer. Copyright © 2017 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Beer fingerprinting by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionisation-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry

A method allowing parallel fingerprinting of proteins and maltooligosaccharides directly from untreated beer samples is presented. These two classes of compounds were detected by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionisation-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) analysis of beer mixed with 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid solution. The maltooligosaccharide profiles acquired from the MALDI sample spot center were not found characteristic for beers of different source and technology. On the other hand, according to profiles containing protein signals acquired from crystals formed on the border of the MALDI sample spot, we were able to distinguish beer samples of the same brand produced by different breweries. The discriminatory abilities of the method were further examined on a set of 17 lager beers, where the fingerprints containing protein signals enabled resolution of majority of examined brands. We propose MALDI-TOF-MS profiling as a rapid tool for beer brewing technology process monitoring, quality control, and determination of beer authenticity.     

DIFFERENTIATION OF ALE AND LAGER FLAVOURS BY PRINCIPAL COMPONENTS ANALYSIS OF FLAVOUR CHARACTERIZATION DATA

The application of principal components analysis to flavour characterization data has been examined by comparing and contrasting 32 beer samples. These comprised two samples of each of 16 brands of beer selected to represent 4 different types, contrasting ales and lager beers of two different strengths. Two-dimensional plots of results using the first two principal components as axes showed resolution of the four groups of beers and the close proximity of the majority of the duplicate samples. Differences between samples thus revealed are in accordance with known differences between the beer flavours.     

ENTEROBACTER AGGLOMERANS—A NEW BACTERIAL CONTAMINANT ISOLATED FROM LAGER BEER BREWERIES

From a large number of bacterial strains isolated from all stages of the brewing process in four different beer breweries in South Africa, fifty-five bacterial strains were identified as Enterobacteriaceae by phenotypic analysis. All enterobacterial species previously reported in brewery samples, as well as eighteen strains of Enterobacter agglomerans were found. E. agglomerans strains were isolated from pitching yeast and fermenting wort samples. The occurrence of E. agglomerans in pitching yeast is significant and indicates that these bacteria survive the brewing process. E. agglomerans is regarded as a potential beer spoilage contaminant in lager beer breweries.     

THE ORIGIN AND OCCURRENCE OF VOLATILE SULPHUR COMPOUNDS IN BRITISH ALES AND LAGERS

A flame-photometric sulphur detector was used to identify, measure and determine the sources of the sulphur volatiles produced during the commercial processing of British ale and lager. Dimethyl sulphide was the main sulphur volatile present in malt but traces of hydrogen sulphide, diethyl sulphide, and dimethyl disulphide were also detected. Hops contained hydrogen sulphide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulphide, diethyl sulphide, methional and dimethyl disulphide. Most of this material extracted into commercial worts was driven off during boiling. Brewing yeasts produced only traces of organo-sulphur volatiles both in laboratory fermentations of wort and during the processing of commercial ales and lagers. In contrast, brewery bacteria, particularly wort spoilage organisms, could generate dimethyl sulphide and sometimes traces of other sulphur volatiles in laboratory cultures. t-Butyl mercaptan was the only organo-sulphur volatile detected in significant concentrations during the primary fermentation and conditioning of commercial beers and this was attributable to the activity of wort-spoilage bacteria. Attempts to identify a volatile compound causing ‘sulphury’ smells in beer were unsuccessful but there was some evidence that it might not contain sulphur.     

Indian black rice: A brewing raw material with novel functionality

Indian black rice (Chakhao Poireiton) is a pigmented variety, rich in anthocyanins and other phytonutrients. With growing interest in the use of local raw materials in brewing, it was of interest to develop protocols for malting and brewing with Chakhao Poireiton to see whether the antioxidant capacity of anthocyanins could be delivered into finished beer. Protocols for brewing with 100% malted rice were developed and the performance of Indian black rice compared with that of an Italian white rice cultivar suited to brewing. The apparent fermentabilities of rice worts were 69.5% (black) and 67.3% (white), yielding beers of 3.28 and 3.19% ABV respectively. Black rice worts were deficient in free amino nitrogen (83.5 mg/L relative to 137 mg/L for white rice) and would need nitrogen supplementation to avoid issues with fermentation, e.g. elevated diacetyl. Black rice beer had an orange-red hue as a result of extraction of anthocyanin pigments (2.84 mg/L). The oxidative stability of 100% rice beers was measured using electron spin resonance spectroscopy and both samples were found to be unusually stable. Interestingly, when rice beers were blended with a control barley malt derived lager in varying proportions (10, 25, 50%), the oxidative stability was improved, relative to the control lager, particularly so in the case of black rice beer, which contained an antioxidant capacity over and above that of the white rice beer. Future studies are required to determine whether the noted oxidative stability of 100% rice malt beers results in a more flavour-stable beer. © 2019 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

The Contribution of 4‐Hydroxyfuranone Derivatives to the Aroma of Commercial Beers and Malts

Analysis of hot water extracts from a range of commercial malts showed that 2,5‐dimethyl‐4‐hydroxy‐3(2H)furanone (DMHF) varied from undetectable (lager malt) to 4.2 mg/litre (crystal malt), a concentration twenty‐six times the flavour threshold in water. 5‐Methyl‐4‐hydroxy‐3 (2H)furanone (MHF) was detected in all samples except one but was always well under its flavour threshold value. 2(or 5)‐Ethyl‐5(or 2)‐methyl‐4‐hydroxy‐3(2H)furanone (EMHF) was not detected in any of the samples. Fermentation of lager, ale and crystal malt extracts with an ale strain of yeast led to the appearance of EMHF in all cases as well as additional DMHF. The greatest increases in both compounds was with the ale malt. Both increases and decreases occurred in MHF concentration as a result of fermentation but final levels were always well below the flavour threshold value. Analysis of ten commercial beers found DMHF in all the samples and in five cases levels exceeded twice the flavour threshold value in beer with flavour units from 2.4 to 9.1. A flavour panel noted that in four of these cases the beer had a distinctly sweet/caramel aroma which is typical of DMHF. EMHF was undetectable in six samples, detectable, but unquantifiable, in three cases but at about 80% of the flavour threshold value in the remaining sample. MHF was found in all samples but at insignificant levels. The results show that DMHF is an important flavour compound in British ales and EMHF may make a contribution in a limited number of situations. The contribution of malt type, brewery processing and yeast strain in determining the concentration of the two 4‐hydroxyfuranones in beer remains uncertain.     

Effect of bacteriocin‐producing Pediococcus acidilactici K10 on beer fermentation

Beer is generally considered to be a beverage that has high microbiological stability. However, some undesirable lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can grow in beer and consequently spoil this beverage. In this study, bacteriocin‐producing Pediococcus acidilactici K10 was used as a means of bio‐acidifying the mash and reducing the spoilage LAB content of the beer. The K10 strain had antimicrobial activity against two beer spoilage LAB strains in wort and did not grow in a beer environment. The K10 strain was inoculated before the mashing step. The effect of K10 as a starter culture was investigated and compared with a control. As a result, filtration time was shortened by 17 min, alcohol content was increased by 137%, foam stability was increased by 156%, bitterness was increased by two bitterness units and there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in aromatic and sour odour. The feasibility of using bacteriocin‐producing LAB strain in beer brewing is envisaged. Copyright © 2016 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

A model to simulate the overall ageing score impact of temperature and time on the sensorial quality of lager

Overall ageing scores (OAS) are used by expert beer tasters to distinguish between the different aromas and tastes, in order to assess the sensorial quality and flavour stability of beer. Flavour instability is an important issue to brewers owing to the increased global demand for beer and the difficulties of controlling beer quality in remote locations when exported. In this paper, the idea was developed and a model constructed that is able to estimate the OAS as a function of temperature and time. The study highlights not only the exponential impact of temperature on lager quality, but also the importance of the time of exposure (nonlinear effect). Further, a hypothetical case study was performed in which the OAS was determined of a lager exposed to the temperature conditions in an important Belgian beer import market. The results indicate that in cities with a mild climate (e.g. UK and Germany), lager beer will suffer quality degradation to a limited extent. Temperature in warm climate cities (e.g. Italy and China) will significantly reduce the shelf‐life of lager beer in a short time frame, stressing the importance of flavour quality and stability. The model can be used in both industry and research when developing commercial decisions. © 2019 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

CRISPR/Cas12a-assisted rapid identification of key beer spoilage bacteria

Beer spoilage bacteria present severe challenges for the beer fermentation industry. Here, we establish a rapid, specific and highly portable CRISPR/Cas12a-based key beer spoilage bacterial scanning method, dubbed CRISPR-Beer Scan. With the variable 16S rDNA segments of these major spoilage microbe species serving as targets, highly efficient and specific crRNAs were determined. By coupling with recombinase polymerase isothermal amplification, CRISPR-Beer Scan could detect as low as 10 copies of DNA targets. Indeed, trace amounts of target genome DNAs can be accurately identified within a mixture of genome DNAs conditioned in beer. Moreover, the extracted genome DNA samples can be conveniently distinguished through the visual fluorescent signals excited by blue light in 45 min with CRISPR-Beer Scan Method. Taken together, the CRISPR-Beer Scan represents a widely applicable microbe-monitoring platform for not only breweries, but also other industries.     

Investigation of sensory attributes contributing to beer preference among Koreans by using fuzzy reasoning

The sensory attributes which contribute to preferences for different beers amongst Koreans were investigated and ranked in terms of their priority. The priority sensory attributes were those with high contribution weights to overall preference. Three sets of contribution weights of the attributes were determined by fuzzy reasoning from the votes through a survey from the groups of all consumers (group I), lager‐preferring consumers (group II) and ale‐preferring consumers (group III). In order to investigate the most reliable contribution weights, the overall preferences of 20 beers were sensory‐evaluated and compared with those estimated by fuzzy reasoning with the contribution weights. When the contribution weights of the attributes were most reliable, the estimates were equal to the total preferences of the samples. It was found that the estimates from groups II and III agreed with the experimental data better than those from group I. This indicates that the contribution weights from group I were less reliable, most likely because there are several groups of Korean consumers with a wide variety of preferences. Therefore, Korean priority sensory attributes for groups II and III were as follows. For group II, the attributes with the contribution weights in decreasing order were found to be ‘total CO₂’ > ‘bitterness’ > ‘duration aftertaste’ > ‘aromatic’ > ‘foam volume’ > ‘density’; for group III, the contribution weights were in the order of ‘aromatic’ > ‘total CO₂’ > ‘bitterness’ > ‘duration aftertaste’ > ‘density’ > ‘foam volume’. These findings will help develop beers appropriate for Korean tastes. Copyright © 2017 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling