The properties of reducing sugars are interesting for the shelf life of beverages, particularly beer, and for human nutrition. For the brewing process the different reducing potentials and the mode of action of fermentable sugars are vitally important, especially during wort boiling where the reactions of sugars are accelerated. Additionally, several breweries use non-fermentable sugars in the brewing process to imbue the beer with unique flavour, body and mouthfeel.

The last outstanding official 2011 crop estimate figures for German growing areas, namely those for the Hallertau, were published on August 18th. We are pleased to provide a list comparing the crop results for 2010 with the estimates for 2011 for the world’s main growing areas.

The production of malt is an energy-intensive process. The majority of the applied energy in malting is required to dry the germinated green malt. The following article describes the possibility of energy savings through the use of a combined heat and power plant (CHP) and a heat pump.

Nowadays most leaf hops worldwide are processed into various hop products after harvesting. Hop products are more homogeneous, easier to handle and have better storage stability than leaf hops. In addition, brewers’ modern day requirements have become more complex, as a result of which there is a huge range of hop products with varying compositions.

Different bottle types had been tested on their permeation characteristics (including oxygen ingress and carbonation retention) and the microbiological stability of the bottled beer. The microbiological stability was assessed by measuring the turbidity and the concentration of colony forming units (CFU). Measurement of the CO2 content and the turbidity was done in beer; evaluation of the oxygen ingress had to be done in especially prepared distilled water since beer itself is oxygen-consuming. In case of microbiological growth the colonies were checked with macroscopic and microscopic methods for exclusion of unwanted microorganisms leading to an erroneous positive result.

The determination of NDMA in beer by the method of GC-TEA or GC-MS was collaboratively tested by the EBC Analysis Committee according to ISO standard 5725-2: 1994. Repeatability (r95) and reproducibility (R95) values are presented. There is statistically significant evidence (Spearman rho = 0.83, p = 0.008) of dependence of repeatability on the mean value (repeatability is worse for bigger mean), there is also statistically significant evidence (Spearman rho = 0.94, p = 0.001) of dependence of reproducibility on the mean value (reproducibility is worse for bigger mean). This relationship between s and m can be represented by a straight line s = a + bm. Final repeatability standard deviation = sr = 0.022 + 0.034 m. Final reproducibility standard deviation = sr = 0.054 + 0.117 m.5 µ/l..

In the environment, there is actually no surface without the potential for adhesion of biofilms. Especially in membrane processes, biofilms have a negative effect on the performance, resulting in higher energy costs, higher efforts for cleaning and a lower durability of membranes. Within a research project, the possibilities of a process water production from

One of the most widely known and studied medicinal properties of hops is its ability to induce sleep. In the European HMPC (Herbal Medicinal Product Committee) Monographs hops are officially recommended as traditional herbal medicinal product for relief of mild symptoms of mental stress and to aid sleep.

The seventh European Beer Star (EBS) held in 2010 was a great success: An expert panel consisting of 88 jury members from 21 countries assessed 955 beers from more than 34 countries and awarded gold, silver and bronze medals in 44 different categories – from German-style Kellerbier, Bohemian-style pilsner and various Hefeweizen specialties to English ale, stout and herb and spice beer. Apparently, there had never been so many participating breweries and so many different breweries from different countries that made it into the winner lists.

In order to better inform our customers and our research, Hopsteiner has created a most detailed picture of hop cone development in conjunction with botanical experts at New York Botanical Gardens. The new botanical standard provides great detail on morphology of hop cones and can be used by growers, scientists and technical brewers alike to compare studies of flavor change over hop cone maturation in the field.

In order to produce beers with a unique character that can easily be distinguished from other brands, brewers worldwide focus more and more on new and special aroma varieties. In 2010 the new American variety “Delta” was commercially grown for the first time and the brewers’ feedback has been promising.