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Charles Bamforth

Welcome to Beer Quality: Color and Clarity led by distinguished professor Charles Bamforth, Ph.D. In this course, you will learn about beer color and how it impacts a consumer's perception of beer. Also discussed are the scientific factors affecting beer color and clarity. The methods of measuring and altering beer color are presented, as are ways to troubleshoot problems with beer color.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Getting Started & Color/Clarity
In this module, we begin discussing how beer color and clarity influences the consumer. We'll review some informal research that was conducted regarding consumer perception of beer based on clarity. If you clarify a beer, does it take anything away? We'll discuss this question.
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Measuring and Chemistry of Color
In this module, we'll discuss color, some of the basic science behind it, and how humans perceive it. We'll review the Beer-Lambert law equation as well as well as the ASBC and EBC methods of measuring color and look at light absorbance of various beers. Then, we'll review methods and devices used to measure color and discuss what to consider when choosing a method. We'll go over the main source of color in most beers, the Maillard Reaction. And, you'll understand how the oxidation of polyphenols affects beer color, ways of adjusting beer color, and discuss what to do when your beer color is not what you were expecting.
Turbidity Problems & Colloidal Stability
In this module, we start our discussion regarding turbidity in beer and the role of bits in beer clarity. We'll discuss what invisible haze is and how it affects beer clarity, compare biological haze with non-biological haze, and compare and contrast chill haze with permanent haze. We'll also look at how we measure, interpret turbidity issues, discuss how bits and haze are measured, and touch on the role of microbiology in beer stability.
Clarity and Stability & Turbidity
In this module, we discuss how grist, hops, malting, and mashing influence beer clarity and stability. We'll also discuss how wort, fermentation, cold conditioning, filtration, stabilizers, and packaging influence clarity and stability. We'll also offer methods of troubleshooting turbidity and touch on beta-glucan, arabinoxylan, starch, oxalate, and dead bacteria. We'll also offer methods of troubleshooting turbidity involving protein, foam stability, and polyphenols.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines how color affects the consumer perception of beer, a key factor in the beer industry
Taught by Charles Bamforth, a highly respected and experienced professor in the field of brewing science
Develops skills in measuring and altering beer color, essential knowledge for brewers seeking to optimize their product
Delves into the scientific factors that impact beer clarity, providing valuable insights for brewers
May require prior knowledge or experience in brewing or beverage production

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Beer Quality: Color & Clarity with these activities:
Review the Maillard reaction and its effects on beer color
This activity will help you to reinforce your understanding of an important concept.
Show steps
  • Research the Maillard reaction
  • Review notes on the Maillard reaction and its effects on beer color
Read _Fundamentals of Beer Brewing_ by Charles Bamforth
This book will help you to shore up your understanding of the advanced topics that will be covered in this course.
Show steps
  • Purchase the book
  • Read thoroughly
Solve Problems in Beer Color Calculation
This activity will help you understand how to apply the equations presented in the course material.
Show steps
  • Gather practice problems
  • Solve problems using course equations
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Practice turbidity troubleshooting scenarios
This activity will help you to become more adept at problem-solving.
Show steps
  • Gather practice scenarios from textbooks, journals, and online resources
  • Analyze scenarios and propose solutions
Create a guide to the different methods of measuring beer color
This activity will help you to expand your knowledge and understanding of the topic.
Show steps
  • Research different color measurement methods, their strengths and weaknesses
  • Organize information into a guide

Career center

Learners who complete Beer Quality: Color & Clarity will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Brewer
Brewers must be able to properly produce beer using different ingredients, processes, and recipes. This course on Beer Quality: Color & Clarity is an excellent resource for gaining the knowledge necessary to evaluate the outcomes of different brewing choices as they relate to the final color and clarity of the beer. Understanding the science behind this can help a brewer make the best decisions possible during the brewing process.
Brewery Manager
Brewery managers oversee the production of beer from start to finish, including all aspects of quality control. This course on Beer Quality: Color & Clarity is an excellent resource for gaining the knowledge necessary to ensure that the beer produced by a brewery meets the desired color and clarity targets. Understanding the scientific factors that affect beer color and clarity will help a brewery manager make informed decisions about the brewing process.
Quality Control Analyst
Quality control analysts in the brewing industry are responsible for ensuring that beer meets the desired quality standards, including color and clarity. This course on Beer Quality: Color & Clarity is an excellent resource for gaining the knowledge necessary to develop and implement quality control procedures for beer.
Beer Taster
Beer tasters evaluate the quality of beer, including its color and clarity. This course on Beer Quality: Color & Clarity is an excellent resource for gaining the knowledge necessary to accurately assess the color and clarity of beer. Understanding the science behind these factors will help a beer taster make informed judgments about the quality of beer.
Research Scientist
Research scientists in the brewing industry conduct research on various aspects of beer production, including color and clarity. This course on Beer Quality: Color & Clarity is an excellent resource for gaining the knowledge necessary to conduct research on the factors that affect beer color and clarity.
Sensory Scientist
Sensory scientists in the brewing industry evaluate the sensory qualities of beer, including its color and clarity. This course on Beer Quality: Color & Clarity is an excellent resource for gaining the knowledge necessary to conduct sensory evaluations of beer and to understand the factors that affect consumer perception of beer.
Beer Sommelier
Beer sommeliers are experts in beer and are responsible for helping customers select the right beer for their needs. This course on Beer Quality: Color & Clarity is an excellent resource for gaining the knowledge necessary to understand the factors that affect the color and clarity of beer and to help customers make informed choices.
Sales Manager
Sales managers in the brewing industry are responsible for selling beer to distributors and retailers. This course on Beer Quality: Color & Clarity is an excellent resource for gaining the knowledge necessary to understand the factors that affect consumer perception of beer and to develop sales strategies that will increase sales.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers in the brewing industry are responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns for beer. This course on Beer Quality: Color & Clarity is an excellent resource for gaining the knowledge necessary to understand the factors that affect consumer perception of beer and to develop marketing campaigns that will increase sales.
Beverage Development Manager
Beverage development managers are responsible for developing and launching new beverage products, including beer. This course on Beer Quality: Color & Clarity is an excellent resource for gaining the knowledge necessary to understand the factors that affect the color and clarity of beer and to develop new products that meet consumer demand.
Product Manager
Product managers in the brewing industry are responsible for the marketing and sales of beer. This course on Beer Quality: Color & Clarity is an excellent resource for gaining the knowledge necessary to understand the factors that affect consumer perception of beer and to develop marketing and sales strategies that will increase sales.
Food Scientist
Food scientists who work in the brewing industry develop and improve food products, including beer. This course on Beer Quality: Color & Clarity is an excellent resource for gaining the knowledge necessary to understand the factors that affect the color and clarity of beer and to develop new products that meet consumer demand.
Beer Blogger
Beer bloggers write about beer and often provide reviews of different beers. This course on Beer Quality: Color & Clarity is an excellent resource for gaining the knowledge necessary to write informed reviews of beer and to understand the factors that affect consumer perception of beer.
Bartender
Bartenders serve beer to customers and are often responsible for making recommendations. This course on Beer Quality: Color & Clarity is an excellent resource for gaining the knowledge necessary to understand the factors that affect the color and clarity of beer and to make informed recommendations to customers.
Server
Servers serve beer to customers and are often responsible for making recommendations. This course on Beer Quality: Color & Clarity is an excellent resource for gaining the knowledge necessary to understand the factors that affect the color and clarity of beer and to make informed recommendations to customers.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Beer Quality: Color & Clarity.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the world of beer, including chapters on color and clarity. It is written by a leading expert in the field and valuable resource for beer enthusiasts of all levels.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the world of beer, including chapters on color and clarity. It is written by a leading expert in the field and valuable resource for beer enthusiasts of all levels.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the world of beer, including chapters on color and clarity. It is written by a leading expert in the field and valuable resource for beer enthusiasts of all levels.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the world of beer, including chapters on color and clarity. It is written by a leading expert in the field and valuable resource for beer enthusiasts of all levels.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the brewing process, including chapters on color and clarity. It is written by two leading experts in the field and valuable resource for brewers and scientists alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the brewing process, including chapters on color and clarity. It is written by a leading expert in the field and valuable resource for brewers of all levels.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the role of glassware in beer quality, including chapters on the impact of glass shape and color on beer appearance. It is written by a leading expert in the field and valuable resource for beer enthusiasts of all levels.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the homebrewing process, including chapters on color and clarity. It is written by a leading expert in the field and valuable resource for homebrewers of all levels.

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