THE BITTERNESS OF HOP-DERIVED MATERIALS IN BEER

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Abstract
The bitterness of trans- and cis-isohumulones obtained both from beer and by alkaline isomerization of α-acids has been compared with the bitterness of hop resins and other materials extractable from beer. Trans-isohumulones and cis-isohumulones, obtained either from beer or by alkaline isomerization of α-acids, and hulupones have been shown to be the most bitter materials. Hulupones were only slightly less bitter than trans-and cis-isohumulones, which showed little difference in bitterness value when prepared directly, although the collective tasting results show a bias for a greater bittering associated with the cis-component. The hulupones, like the parent β-acid, possessed a distinctive aromatic flavour. α-Acids and other unidentified materials obtained from beer brewed with hops of a normal age have been found to possess a much lower level of bitterness. The observation that aged hops impart normal levels of tastable bitterness to beer has been confirmed at significant brewery level (60 brl.) using grists consisting solely of six year old hops. Approximately 35% of this bitterness is provided by isohumulones and the greater part of the remainder arises from materials soluble in low-boiling paraffinic hydrocarbon solvents. A known β-acid oxidation material has been isolated from fresh and old hops and from beers brewed with either fresh or old hops.

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