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Charles Bamforth

In this second course of the Beer Quality Series, you will learn about factors influencing the perception of flavor and the molecules that influence flavor. We also review methods of evaluating and measuring flavor, as well as methods of modifying flavor.

In addition, you will learn about how to address individual quality issues from the standpoint of: the basic underpinning science, the practicalities of the issue pertaining to brewing and its associated activities, quality assurance and quality control parameters, and a troubleshooting guide.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Getting Started & The Flavor of Beer
In this module, we look at how attitudes and senses other than taste affect people's perception of beer flavor. We'll also look closer at how human senses affect our perception of flavor and discuss tools and methods used to measure and score beer flavor. Then, we'll talk about key aromas for tasting and evaluating beer flavor and discuss "difference tasting" and "descriptive tasting."
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Molecules of Flavor & Metabolism
In this module, we'll discuss some of the molecules that influence the sweetness and bitterness of beer. We'll continue our discussion of bitterness and discuss the impact of hop aroma on beer flavor. We'll also provide an overview of yeast metabolism. By understanding the basics of metabolism, we can make sense of how yeast impacts flavor.
The Chemistry & Molecules of Flavor
In this module, we'll discuss various molecules that affect flavor and how they are produced. We'll talk about how alcohols affect beer flavor and discuss the sulfur atom, which appears in some of the most potent flavor active substances in beer. We'll continue our discussion on DMS and discuss beer texture and mouthfeel.
Quantifying Flavor & A Feast of Variables
In this module, we'll discuss tools and methods for quantifying beer flavor and review factors that need to be addressed when considering flavor.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores beer flavor, an important skill in brewing industry
Taught by Charles Bamforth, a renowned expert in brewing science
Examines molecules influencing flavor and their impact on beer quality
Develops sound scientific understanding of beer flavor
Covers tools and methods for evaluating and quantifying beer flavor
Provides practical guidance on addressing quality issues in brewing

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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: Flavor with these activities:
Review Beer Quality: The Analysis of Sensory Evaluation (by Bamforth)
Start your course with the book that will be your primary reference. This review will help make course concepts more understandable as you go along.
Show steps
  • Read and review the chapters covered in each module.
  • Take notes on key terms, concepts, and theories.
  • Summarize the chapters to better understand their content.
  • Be prepared to discuss and share your notes in class.
Review Beer Production Processes
Revisiting the steps of beer production will prime you to understand the science behind these practices in the course
Browse courses on Beer Production
Show steps
  • Read over notes or textbooks from previous courses or references on beer production
  • Familiarize yourself with different brewing equipment and their functions
Identify Beer Flavors and Aromas
This will help you improve your ability to recognize and distinguish different flavors and aromas commonly found in beer.
Browse courses on Sensory Evaluation
Show steps
  • Join a beer tasting group or host your own tasting.
  • Use tasting wheels or apps to identify different flavors and aromas.
  • Experiment with different beer styles and record your observations.
  • Share your findings and compare notes with others.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Develop a Beer Flavor Profile
Creating a flavor profile will help you better understand and describe the sensory characteristics of different beers.
Show steps
  • Select a few different beer samples.
  • Use the Beer Flavor Wheel to identify and describe the flavors and aromas.
  • Create a written or digital flavor profile for each beer.
  • Compare and contrast the flavor profiles of different beers.
Explore Beer and Food Pairing Techniques
Knowing how to pair beer with food will enhance your dining experience and help you better appreciate the flavors of both.
Show steps
  • Read articles, watch videos, or attend workshops on beer and food pairing.
  • Experiment with different beer and food combinations.
  • Note the flavors and aromas that complement each other.
  • Create a menu or host a dinner party featuring beer and food pairings.
Design a Sensory Evaluation Survey
Designing a survey will not only help you better evaluate beer quality but also refine your research skills as well.
Browse courses on Sensory Evaluation
Show steps
  • Determine the purpose and objectives of the survey.
  • Identify the target audience for the survey.
  • Develop survey questions that are clear, concise, and unbiased.
  • Test the survey on a small group of participants.
  • Distribute the survey to a larger audience and analyze the results.
Engage in Study Groups or Beer Tasting Gatherings
Interacting with peers will help you deepen your understanding of course concepts and expand your perspective.
Show steps
  • Form study groups with classmates to discuss course materials and assignments.
  • Organize or join beer tasting gatherings to practice flavor identification and evaluation.
  • Share knowledge and experiences with fellow students.
  • Engage in constructive discussions and debates.
Create a Database of Beer Flavor Profiles
This will provide you with a valuable collection of flavor profiles that you can use for future reference and analysis.
Browse courses on Data Collection
Show steps
  • Collect beer samples from different breweries or beer retailers.
  • Conduct sensory evaluations and create flavor profiles for each beer.
  • Organize the flavor profiles in a database or spreadsheet.
  • Include information such as beer style, brewery, ingredients, and tasting notes.
Help Others Learn About Beer Quality
Teaching is one of the best ways to reinforce your own understanding of a subject. Also, you will help fellow students achieve learning success.
Browse courses on Mentoring
Show steps
  • Volunteer to lead or participate in study groups.
  • Offer to help classmates understand difficult concepts.
  • Mentor newer students or those who are struggling.
  • Share your knowledge and experience with others.

Career center

Learners who complete Beer Quality: Flavor will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Brewmaster
A Brewmaster manages the production of beer in a brewery, overseeing the brewing process and ensuring that the beer meets the desired quality standards. This course is directly applicable to the role, as it teaches about the factors that influence the flavor of beer and provides methods for evaluating and modifying flavor. Understanding the science behind beer flavor is essential for a Brewmaster to produce high-quality beer.
Quality Assurance Manager
A Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for ensuring that products meet quality standards. In the brewing industry, a Quality Assurance Manager would be responsible for ensuring that the beer meets the desired flavor profile and is free of defects. This course is directly applicable to the role, as it provides methods for evaluating and modifying flavor, as well as addressing individual quality issues.
Sensory Analyst
A Sensory Analyst evaluates the sensory properties of food and beverages, including flavor, aroma, and texture. In the brewing industry, a Sensory Analyst would be responsible for evaluating the flavor of beer and providing feedback to the Brewmaster. This course is directly applicable to the role, as it teaches about the factors that influence the flavor of beer and provides methods for evaluating flavor.
Product Developer
A Product Developer creates new products or improves existing products. In the brewing industry, a Product Developer would be responsible for developing new beers or improving the flavor of existing beers. This course is directly applicable to the role, as it provides methods for evaluating and modifying flavor.
Flavorist
A Flavorist creates and develops flavors for food and beverages. In the brewing industry, a Flavorist would be responsible for creating and developing new flavors for beer. This course is directly applicable to the role, as it teaches about the factors that influence the flavor of beer and provides methods for modifying flavor.
Brewery Manager
A Brewery Manager oversees the daily operations of a brewery, including production, packaging, and distribution. This course is indirectly applicable to the role, as it provides knowledge about the factors that influence the flavor of beer and methods for evaluating and modifying flavor. Understanding the science behind beer flavor is helpful for a Brewery Manager to make informed decisions about the brewing process.
Sales Representative
A Sales Representative sells products or services to customers. In the brewing industry, a Sales Representative would be responsible for selling beer to distributors, retailers, and consumers. This course is indirectly applicable to the role, as it provides knowledge about the factors that influence the flavor of beer. Understanding the science behind beer flavor is helpful for a Sales Representative to effectively communicate the benefits of their products to customers.
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager develops and executes marketing campaigns to promote products or services. In the brewing industry, a Marketing Manager would be responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns to promote beer. This course is indirectly applicable to the role, as it provides knowledge about the factors that influence the flavor of beer. Understanding the science behind beer flavor is helpful for a Marketing Manager to develop effective marketing campaigns that appeal to the target audience.
Beer Writer
A Beer Writer writes about beer for magazines, newspapers, and websites. This course is indirectly applicable to the role, as it provides knowledge about the factors that influence the flavor of beer and methods for evaluating and modifying flavor. Understanding the science behind beer flavor is helpful for a Beer Writer to accurately and informatively write about beer.
Beer Judge
A Beer Judge evaluates the quality of beer at competitions. This course is indirectly applicable to the role, as it provides knowledge about the factors that influence the flavor of beer and methods for evaluating flavor. Understanding the science behind beer flavor is helpful for a Beer Judge to accurately and fairly evaluate the quality of beer.
Bartender
A Bartender serves drinks to customers in a bar or restaurant. This course is indirectly applicable to the role, as it provides knowledge about the factors that influence the flavor of beer. Understanding the science behind beer flavor is helpful for a Bartender to make recommendations to customers and provide a more enjoyable experience.
Chef
A Chef prepares and cooks food in a restaurant or other food service establishment. This course is indirectly applicable to the role, as it provides knowledge about the factors that influence the flavor of beer. Understanding the science behind beer flavor is helpful for a Chef to pair beer with food and create a more enjoyable dining experience.
Sommelier
A Sommelier is a wine expert who makes recommendations to customers in a restaurant or wine shop. This course may be indirectly applicable to the role, as it provides knowledge about the factors that influence the flavor of beer. Understanding the science behind beer flavor may be helpful for a Sommelier to make recommendations to customers and provide a more enjoyable experience.
Food Scientist
A Food Scientist develops and improves food products. This course may be indirectly applicable to the role, as it provides knowledge about the factors that influence the flavor of beer. Understanding the science behind beer flavor may be helpful for a Food Scientist to develop and improve beer-based products.
Dietitian
A Dietitian helps people make healthy food choices. This course may be indirectly applicable to the role, as it provides knowledge about the factors that influence the flavor of beer. Understanding the science behind beer flavor may be helpful for a Dietitian to make recommendations to patients about how to incorporate beer into a healthy diet.

Reading list

We've selected nine 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: Flavor.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the quality of beer. It covers everything from the factors that affect beer quality to the methods used to ensure that beer meets quality standards.
Comprehensive guide to the world of beer, covering everything from the history of brewing to the different styles of beer. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about beer.
Provides a comprehensive guide to tasting beer. It covers everything from the basics of beer tasting to the different styles of beer.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the different styles of beer from around the world. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the different types of beer.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the world of beer. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about beer.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the craft beer revolution. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history and impact of the craft beer movement.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the science of brewing. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the technical aspects of brewing.
Provides a comprehensive guide to homebrewing. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to brew beer at home.

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