The possibilities of particle analysis demonstrated by the measurement of the colloidal stability of filtered beer

Abstract

Long-term stability is one of the most important quality criteria of beer. Three groups of measuring methods are available for its determination: real time tests, predictive tests and indicative tests. One of the most common methods is the predictive forcing test, which is a time-consuming method for accelerating beer ageing, e.g., at 0°C and 60°C. Two ways exist to perform this test: (1) follow-up of haze development and determination of the lag phase or (2) the measurement of haze values after several days. The first option was evaluated by performing a long-term Forcing test over a period of 4 months by analyzing a bottomfermented beer. It was shown that the haze curve followed a typical course with a lag phase, an increase phase and a stationary phase. Significant differences between the measurement after the cooling and the warm period were shown. In search of quicker methods and more accurate predictive indicators, the charge titration method was developed as an alternative to determine the particle charge of filtered beers, whereupon the relationship was elucidated between the increase in hazing and decrease of potential along with the advanced aging of beer. The results showed that with increased particle size due to agglomeration, the total charge decreased. In this array of trials, two differently stabilized beers were examined. Although both beers showed different haze values in the beginning (0.32 EBC and 1.30 EBC), the less stabilized beer had only 10 warm days and in contrast the beer with the good stabilization had over 20 warm days. With the help of the total charge, predictions were possible regarding the long-term stability of the beer. © 2010 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling.