iso-α-acids

Technical specification

Assessment

The best way to detect hop bitter acids in beer is as follows. Take a little beer into your mouth. Move it around with your tongue for a few seconds then swallow it.

Amount of flavour per capsule

5.0 mg per capsule

Threshold

The flavour threshold of iso-alpha-acids in beer is 3 mg / l.

Origins

Iso-alpha-acids are imparted to beer through addition of hops or hop extracts in the brewhouse or post-fermentation. The intensity and quality of the bitterness depends on the hop variety, hopping practice, and brewing process.

Confusions

Bitterness due to iso-alpha-acids in beer can be confused with the following:

• Ferrous sulphate
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Octanoic acid

Importance

Iso-alpha-acids are one of the five basic tastes found in beer and a major differentiator of styles and products. Important flavour note in lagers, ales and stouts. Bitterness of this type is a signature flavour note in India Pale Ales.

CAS registry number

The CAS registry number of iso-alpha-acids is 25522-96-7.

Other names

• iso-alpha-acids
• iso-a-acids
• hop bitter acids
• cis-iso-alpha-acids

Remarks

This flavour standard is rich in cis isomers of the iso-α-acids, which are more bitter than their trans counterparts. This allows us to employ a smaller amount of material than might be expected to produce the desired flavour impact.

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