cis-3-hexenol

Technical specification

Assessment

The best way to evaluate freshly cut grass flavour in beer is as follows. Without covering the glass, swirl the beer to release the aroma. Take a single short sniff. Repeat as necessary.

Amount of flavour per capsule

3.5 mg per capsule

Threshold

The flavour threshold of 3-hexenol in beer is 1.1 mg / l.

Origins

Several compounds, closely related to cis-3-hexanol also impart grassy notes to beer. Although they are mostly hop-derived they can also arise through use of immature malts, such as chit malt.

Confusions

3-Hexenol is sometimes confused by professional beer tasters with the following flavours:

• Acetaldehyde
• Kettle hop extract
• Isobutyraldehyde

Importance

cis-3-Hexenol is a positive flavour character in some ales and lagers, imparting a fresh ‘green’ flavour note. It is considered an off-flavour when present in excess.

CAS registry number

The CAS registry number of cis-3-hexenol is 928-96-1.

Other names

• (Z)-hex-3-en-1-ol
• cis-hex-3-en-1-ol
• (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol
• beta,gamma-hexen-1-ol
• cis-3-hexen-1-ol
• (Z)-3-hexenol
• cis-3-hexenol
• beta-gamma-hexenol
• leaf alcohol

Remarks

cis-3-Hexenol is one of several compounds that impart an odour of freshly cut grass to beer. Its corresponding aldehyde cis-3-hexenal also contributes to this flavour.

Threshold distribution

Capsules per pot

10

Legal notices

This product is protected by the following trade marks and patents:

• US Patent no. D679900
• European Community Trade Mark
  Registration no. 009937574
• European Community Trade Mark
  Registration no. 009856527
• US Trade Mark Registration no. 4345057
• US Trade Mark Registration no. 4345056