Beer Quality: Color & Clarity from Coursera

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.

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

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

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This activity will help you to reinforce your understanding of an important concept.

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Research the Maillard reaction
Review notes on the Maillard reaction and its effects on beer color

Read _Fundamentals of Beer Brewing_ by Charles Bamforth

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This book will help you to shore up your understanding of the advanced topics that will be covered in this course.

View FOAM: Practical Guides for Beer Quality on Amazon

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Purchase the book
Read thoroughly

Solve Problems in Beer Color Calculation

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This activity will help you understand how to apply the equations presented in the course material.

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Gather practice problems
Solve problems using course equations

Two other activities

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Practice turbidity troubleshooting scenarios

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This activity will help you to become more adept at problem-solving.

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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

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This activity will help you to expand your knowledge and understanding of the topic.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Brewer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Brewery Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Control Analyst

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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Beer Sommelier

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Beverage Development Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Server