The effect of pasteurisation and storage on aroma compounds in lager

Abstract

Why was the work done: To investigate the impact of pasteurisation and storage in bottle on aroma compounds in pale lager beer. How was the work done: Pale lager beer was produced at an industrial scale with 100% pilsner malt and a bottom fermenting yeast. Samples were taken of unpasteurised beer from bright beer tank, after flash pasteurisation and six months after packaging in amber glass bottles. What are the main findings: Post pasteurisation, a marked increase was found in the concentration of 2,3-pentanedione (50%) and diacetyl (33%), presumably reflecting the decomposition by heat of precurser acetohydroxy acids. There was also a marginal increase in dimethyl sulphide (6%) with little or no change in other aroma compounds. Storage for six months in bottle, also resulted in an increase in the level of 2,3-pentanedione, diacetyl and dimethyl sulphide. The linear (Pearson) correlation was > 0.8 for both dimethyl sulphide and diacetyl, and 2,3-pentanedione and diacetyl. Accordingly, it was concluded that the levels in beer of dimethyl sulphide and 2,3-pentanedione are proportionally related to diacetyl. Why is the work important: This work provides an insight into the effects on flavour and aroma of lager of flash pasteurisation and subsequent storage in bottle. The inter-relationship between aroma compounds in beer suggests that such synergies may undermine the sensory perception of threshold levels and identification of specific aromas.