Sensory Descriptive Analysis and Investigation of Consumer Acceptance of German Pilsner

To derive differences between German pilsner beers which have effects on acceptance, sensory description is linked to consumer acceptance. The sensory perception of pilsner beer is described by sensorily-trained consumers. For the pilsner type of beer, an appropriate number of representative and characteristic attributes are compiled for the precise description of sensory perceptions. By investigating acceptance by untrained consumers (n=142) in blind and open product tests, estimations of pilsner beers are measured. The results can highlight promising pilsner varieties and identify those which are sensorily unconvincing. In addition, split analyses are performed concerning consumers’ objectives and sensory expectations.

In the blind test, it was confirmed that consumers’ acceptance of bitter pilsner (> 34 Bitterness Units, BU), leaving a coating mouthfeel, is lower than that of pilsner which is less bitter. If the brand name is known to consumers, they rate bitter pilsner (> 34 BU) with high acceptance. Additionally, pilsner varieties with an intense hop aroma and bitter pilsners (> 34 BU) are rated significantly better by consumers who drink beer for enjoyment. Consumers who state that they enjoy drinking a more bitter pilsner rate mild pilsners (< 20 BU) significantly lower. If consumers expect a hop aromatic pilsner, they also prefer these pilsner beers in blind taste tests.

BrewingScience - Monatsschrift für Brauwissenschaft, 64 (September/October 2011), pp. 95-106