​​​​Using Exogenous Enzymes to Boost Biotransformation​

MBAA TQ https://doi.org/10.1094/TQ-57-1-0330-01​  | VIEW ARTICLE
 
Leandro Meiners1 and Matias Cavanna2

1 PLACEBO Brewing, Buenos Aires, Argentina
2 Dos Dingos Cerveza Independiente, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Abstract​

Biotransformation has become a buzzword in the brewing community, with many brewers even performing dry hopping at certain specific times to hit what is considered to be the “biotransformation sweet spot.” Academic literature does not support these claims. With the aid of enzymes developed for the wine industry, two experimental IPA beers were brewed: one with an enzyme preparation aimed at hydrolyzing glycosides and the other with a β-lyase preparation aimed at releasing bound thiols. Triangle tests for each treatment were carried out by a panel of over 25 participants, composed of brewers and judges, and showed that both beers were significantly different from the control, yet preference was overwhelmingly toward the no-enzyme IPA control beer. Furthermore, the descriptive analysis carried out by the same panel showed a clear trend toward both enzyme beers being less tropical/fruity and more herbal and/or citrusy, the exact opposite of the purported benefit of biotransformation.