Accessibility Tools

Quality assurance
Lab technician working in a sterile box with a petri dish (Photo: CDC on Unsplash)

Most frequent beer spoilers | Analysis of findings at the Research Centre Weihenstephan for Brewing and Food Quality, TU Munich (TUM FZW BLQ) about beer-spoiling microorganisms provides a good overview of the status quo, distribution, seasonality and frequency of beer-spoilers.

Quality assurance
Lab technician takes samples of beverages (Photo: Fernando Zhiminaic on Pixabay)

Much can be achieved | Microbiology does not follow textbooks – and certainly not what we would like it to be. Biology involves evolution, adaptation and sometimes sheer luck. “That’s simply impossible. I would really like to detonate this operation.” This or similar statements are sometimes made by owners, managers or brewmasters when they are standing with their backs to the wall. This is mostly caused by microbiological problems in the finished product.

Quality assurance
Lab technician working in a sterile box with a petri dish (Photo: CDC on Unsplash)

Most frequent beer spoilers | Analysis of findings at the Research Centre Weihenstephan for Brewing and Food Quality, TU Munich (TUM FZW BLQ) about beer-spoiling microorganisms provides a good overview of the status quo, distribution, seasonality and frequency of beer-spoilers.

Quality assurance
Brown liquid and SCOBY in a preserving jar (Photo: Tim Oliver Metz on Unsplash)

Kombucha research | In three decades, kombucha transitioned from home-made production to a trending mass-produced fermented beverage associated with wellness and health [1, 2]. During the last five years, the global kombucha market has experienced intense growth (from 2 billion USD in 2019 to 2.97 billion USD in 2024) [3]. So did kombucha science, although it focused heavily on uncovering potential health effects, which is dissociated from the expectations of kombucha producers who keep putting efforts on quality improvement to boost market development [4, 5].

Filling
Bottling

Predictive failure prevention | Do you want to hedge your bets and hit the jackpot? Then maybe you should consider making use of a tool from the extensive quality management toolbox: FMEA. Failure mode and effects analysis is now slightly out of fashion and, as far as we know, barely used in the beverage industry – if indeed at all. If you study it in greater depth, however, you soon realise its potential.

Filling
Bottles in an empty bottle inspector (Photo: Heuft)

Quality control | AI, or artificial intelligence – this buzzword is currently being discussed in many contexts. Opinions range from outright rejection to the expectation that AI will do everything better. In fact, it has been observed in many discussions that this complex topic is often only considered in general terms, and the specific details are frequently ignored. Therefore, we will try to take a closer look at the topic for applications of automatic quality control during beverage filling, in particular for empty bottle inspection.

Quality assurance
Woman testing the aroma of a dark beer (Photo: Monica di Loxley on Unsplash)

Structured and focused | In the first installment in this series (BRAUWELT International no. 5, 2024), we introduced and outlined the nine senses humans possess that are relevant for conducting the sensory analysis of beer. Furthermore, we explained their significance and the roles they play in physiologically and indeed psychologically motivating a person to drink beer. This installment continues with a discussion on how to optimize the sensory quality of a selection of beers and to successfully develop a strategy for product innovation in a targeted manner.

Quality assurance
Jonas Kronast in the brewhouse, holding up a glass of beer

Hallmark of quality | For 50 years, international DLG quality tests for beer have been a hallmark of the outstanding quality of beers brewed according to the German Purity Law. This anniversary is a milestone in the history of beer production and evaluation. The test procedure of the DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft or German Agricultural Society) has continuously further developed since its inception and established itself as one of the most eminent institutions for the assessment of beer in Europe.

Quality assurance
Group photo during a meeting of the EHEDG test laboratories at the Research Center Weihenstephan for Brewing and Food Quality

Best prerequisites | The fourth part of our Hygienic Design series introduces the European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG). The German test centre is located at the Weihenstephan Research Centre for Brewing and Food Quality (BLQ). Its particular facilities ensure that Hygienic Design assessment, so important for the brewing and food industries, can be carried out.

Quality assurance
Person handling Anton Paar equipment at Somerset Cider Solutions (Photo: Anton Paar)

Beer analysis | Anton Paar is a full-range supplier for comprehensive beer analysis from one source, headquartered in Graz, Austria. Customers are empowered to measure key parameters from incoming raw materials all the way to final quality control of the packaged beverage, and also benefit from the renowned global support and service from local specialists. In this article, the company presents its newest solutions for different brewery sizes.

Quality assurance
Tasting room with prepared glasses for beer tasting

Structured and focused | “Sensory Beer Designing” represents a means by which the individual demands of customers and specific aspects of the market are taken into consideration during product development. It is also important that sensory quality management is placed at the forefront of quality control. This article is the first installment in a multi-part series which discusses the brewing technology options that can be employed to promote the characteristics of beer which are perceived as positive by consumers. This first installment introduces the basic concepts of sensory beer design.

Current issue

BRAUWELT International 5-6

Editorial
Table of contents

BRAUWELT International

Receive the most important BRAUWELT news three times a month for free.
Newsletter archive and informations
Your data is secure and will not be passed on to third parties. You can revoke your consent at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the end of the newsletter.

By clicking on "Subscribe to newsletter," you confirm that you have read our privacy policy and accept the processing of your data as described therein.

Current issue

BRAUWELT International 5-6

Editorial
Table of contents

BRAUWELT International

Receive the most important BRAUWELT news three times a month for free.
Newsletter archive and informations
Your data is secure and will not be passed on to third parties. You can revoke your consent at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the end of the newsletter.

By clicking on "Subscribe to newsletter," you confirm that you have read our privacy policy and accept the processing of your data as described therein.

BRAUWELT on tour

BrauBeviale
Date 10 Nov 2026 - 12 Nov 2026
kalender-icon