TERPENES
COMMENT
THE FLAVOR ARCHITECTS OF BEER
IN THE EVER-EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF CRAFT BREWING, SHANLEIGH THOMSON, FOUNDER OF SHAN.FERMENTS, BRINGS FORTH AN EXPLORATION INTO THE REALM OF TERPENES AND THEIR ROLE AS THE FLAVOR ARCHITECTS OF BEER. TERPENES, COMPOUNDS FOUND IN PLANTS LIKE HOPS, OFFER BREWERS AN EXCITING AVENUE TO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF CREATIVITY AND ENHANCE THE SENSORY EXPERIENCE OF THEIR BREWS. THOMSON DELVES INTO RECENT ADVANCEMENTS IN EXTRACTION TECHNIQUES, SHEDDING LIGHT ON HOW BREWERS CAN LEVERAGE SPECIFIC TERPENE FRACTIONS TO PRECISELY MANIPULATE FLAVOR AND AROMA PROFILES.
T
erpenes are volatile organic compounds found in a wide range of plants, contributing to their aromatic and flavor profiles. In the context of beer, hops are the primary source of terpenes, imparting the well-known bitter, floral, and citrus notes characteristic of many beer styles. However, the brewing process can affect the integrity of these compounds, leading to a loss of their potent sensory contributions (Dietz, Cook, Wilson, Oliveira, & Ford, 2023). Recent advancements in extraction and isolation techniques have enabled brewers to incorporate specific terpene fractions into their beers, allowing for a more precise manipulation of flavor and aroma profiles. For instance, supercritical CO₂ extraction has been employed to isolate terpene alcohols and sesquiterpenes from hop oils, offering a nuanced palette of sensory attributes (Dietz et al., 2023). MULTISENSORY PERCEPTIONS AND TERPENE INTEGRATION The integration of terpene extracts into beer can significantly influence the multi-
26
|
ISSUE 31 | 2024
sensory perception of the final product. Dietz et al. (2023) found that monoterpenes, such as geraniol, can impart fruity and floral aromas to beer, enhancing sweetness and contributing to a smoother bitterness. Conversely, sesquiterpene fractions were associated with a harsher bitterness, indicating the complex interplay between different terpene types and sensory experiences.
EASE OF USE AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS Fetherston’s firsthand experience highlights the simplicity and economic efficiency of terpene use in brewing. “Using terpenes is super easy, dosing is super simple. It’s a straight add at high krausen for additional bio-transformation, or cold side,” he explains, showcasing the straightforward incorporation process. The cost-effectiveness of terpenes is also emphasized: “For your dollar, it’s your best bang for your buck as far as advanced products go.”. ENHANCED FLAVOR AND AROMA COMPLEXITY Terpenes offer brewers a palette of flavors and aromas that can significantly elevate the complexity of beer. By carefully selecting and incorporating specific terpene fractions, brewers can craft beers with tailored sensory profiles, moving beyond traditional flavor boundaries. Fetherston’s testimony supports this, noting the consistent and true-to-style profiles that terpenes provide: “If I want a Mosaic type hop, I don’t have to worry about purchasing Mosaic pellets that may not be [the flavour profile] that I want. This is always consistent and true to what I think of when I think Mosaic.”
For professional brewers, this opens up exciting avenues for beer innovation. By selectively incorporating terpene fractions into their brews, brewers can craft beers with tailored sensory profiles, moving beyond traditional flavor boundaries. INTEGRATING TERPENES IN BEER BREWING: INSIGHTS AND BENEFITS In a conversation with Tristan Fetherston of Beacon Brewing in Sidney, British Columbia, we explored the practical benefits of using terpenes in brewing. His insights offer a clear perspective on how terpenes enhance craft beer, making flavors like those in their West Coast IPA both distinct and consistent.
BREWERS JOURNAL CANADA