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Common odors in beer

Common odors in beer

Sometimes, customers in bars and restaurants return craft beer not because they don’t like the beer style, but because they feel that the beer contains “off-flavors.” This is an unpleasant taste and smell that should not be present in most cases. Although craft brewers are trying their best to produce perfect products, beer may have an off-flavor at some stage of the brewing, packaging, storage, or transportation process. So, how do we know if the beer is contaminated? Below, Micet Craft will bring you the common peculiar smells in a beer, and how we can identify and deal with them.
15 common odors in beer

The beer has a buttery taste

  • Source of odor: Diacetyl (2,3-butanedione)
  • How to distinguish: When diacetyl is present in beer, the beer smells like butter, butter popcorn, or butterscotch, and it will have a smooth or creamy taste on the tongue and mouth.
  • What it is: Diacetyl is called the “original sin” of brewing. Under normal circumstances, diacetyl is present in most beers at a certain concentration and is a natural part of the brewing process. The presence of a small amount of diacetyl in dark beer and wort may be an ideal beer flavor. But, in most Lager beers, it is considered to be the peculiar smell of beer.
  • Cause: All yeasts naturally produce diacetyl during fermentation, which is then “re-absorbed” by yeast cells. Diacetyl that has not been reabsorbed will remain in the beer. The reason for the production of diacetyl that is not reabsorbed may be due to the use of highly flocculating yeast, or the yeast cells have mutations. Of course, oxidation problems, low-temperature fermentation, and long boiling time may also cause such problems.
Guide to abnormal beer taste diacetyl
Guide to abnormal beer taste: diacetyl

Diacetyl is a kind of ketone, which is an organic compound produced when alcohol is oxidized during the primary fermentation of beer. Yeast is a magical organism that handles the production of bread, wine, distilled beverages, and beer. When yeast ferments beer, it produces more than 500 different compounds that give beer its unique flavor

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Guide to abnormal beer taste diacetyl
Guide to abnormal beer taste: diacetyl

Diacetyl is a kind of ketone, which is an organic compound produced when alcohol is oxidized during the primary fermentation of beer. Yeast is a magical organism that handles the production of bread, wine, distilled beverages, and beer. When yeast ferments beer, it produces more than 500 different compounds that give beer its unique flavor

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The beer has a sweet corn flavor

The beer has a sweet corn flavor

  • Source of odor: DMS (Dimethyl Sulfide)
  • Identification method: When beer contains DMS, the beer will smell of sweet corn, cooked cabbage, tomato sauce, and even shellfish and oysters.
  • What is it: DMS is a very desirable taste in some ale and ale, but it is a peculiar smell in other beers.
  • Cause: Compounds are produced during the malting process of grains, and these compounds are converted into DMS when heated. So, DMS is mainly formed during the wort production process, and less DMS is produced during fermentation. Of course, this can also be produced by bacteria that contaminate beer. This makes DMS very common in ale and lager. DMS can be removed by evaporation when the wort is boiled.
Guide to beer off-flavors DMS
Guide to beer off-flavors: DMS

One of the most frequently mentioned odors in beer evaluation is dimethyl sulfide (DMS). DMS is a sulfur compound that is generally thought to give beer creamed corn or cooked vegetable characteristics. Most beer brewers know very well how to reduce the risk of DMS entering the beer, such as checking the boiling time and

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Guide to beer off-flavors DMS
Guide to beer off-flavors: DMS

One of the most frequently mentioned odors in beer evaluation is dimethyl sulfide (DMS). DMS is a sulfur compound that is generally thought to give beer creamed corn or cooked vegetable characteristics. Most beer brewers know very well how to reduce the risk of DMS entering the beer, such as checking the boiling time and

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Beer has a metallic taste

  • Source of odor: Metallic (ferrous sulfate)
  • Identification method: This beer can smell iron (or other metal) pennies, ink, or blood. Although you can tell by the smell, we think it is more effective to taste it. Because you can feel it in your mouth or teeth. You can also hand back rub a little beer and smell whether it will emit a very strong metallic smell.
  • What it is: Ferrous sulfate is an odor in beer, which occasionally produces peculiar smells. It mainly affects the taste of beer, but sometimes it also affects the smell of beer.
  • Cause: This pollution occurs when beer or other raw materials come into contact with poor-quality metal pipes and equipment, especially when unprocessed metal is used to boil the wort (except stainless steel). It can also be delivered through packaging, such as metal tubes, bottle caps, or kegs. Of course, improperly stored grains can also cause metal odors.
Guide to beer off-flavors Metallic
Guide to beer off-flavors: Metallic

It is not normal for Metallic to appear in any flavored beer. If you can taste Metallic or bloody taste in beer, it is recommended not to drink this beer. Under normal circumstances, the source of iron ions is only a very small amount of iron-containing protein in grains, which will enter the beer during

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Guide to beer off-flavors Metallic
Guide to beer off-flavors: Metallic

It is not normal for Metallic to appear in any flavored beer. If you can taste Metallic or bloody taste in beer, it is recommended not to drink this beer. Under normal circumstances, the source of iron ions is only a very small amount of iron-containing protein in grains, which will enter the beer during

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The beer smells like rotten eggs

The beer smells like rotten eggs

  • Source of odor: sulfide (hydrogen sulfide)
  • Identification method: The smell of boiled or rotten eggs can be smelled in beer containing sulfide. Of course, the smell of burning matches or untreated sewage is also due to sulfide.
  • What is it: Hydrogen sulfide is present in all beer, but the concentration of hydrogen sulfide varies greatly among different types of beer. Hydrogen sulfide is an off-flavor in most beer styles, but it is a signature flavor characteristic in Burton ale.
  • Cause: All yeasts produce hydrogen sulfide during the fermentation process, and Lager yeast tends to produce a greater sulfur smell than malt strains. At low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, it can bring a “fresh taste” to beer. At that time, at high concentrations, it would become a peculiar smell. Carbon dioxide will take away most of the hydrogen sulfide, so conditioning and storage after the primary fermentation can ensure that the residual sulfur smell and taste in the beer disappear over time.
Guide to beer off-flavors hydrogen sulfide
Guide to beer off-flavors: hydrogen sulfide

The presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in beer will give the beer a unique smell of rotten eggs. In some beer styles, a small amount of hydrogen sulfide will form a unique flavor in the beer. But, if beer contains more hydrogen sulfide, the beer may produce a pungent rotten egg flavor, which is not

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Guide to beer off-flavors hydrogen sulfide
Guide to beer off-flavors: hydrogen sulfide

The presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in beer will give the beer a unique smell of rotten eggs. In some beer styles, a small amount of hydrogen sulfide will form a unique flavor in the beer. But, if beer contains more hydrogen sulfide, the beer may produce a pungent rotten egg flavor, which is not

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The beer has a banana flavor

  • Source of odor: Estery (isoamyl acetate)
  • Identification method: When the beer contains Estery, you can smell the taste of banana or pear. When it contains a small amount of Estery, there maybe strawberry, raspberry, and grapefruit flavors.
  • What is it: Isoamyl acetate is the most common ester flavor in all beers, and the concentration varies greatly in different types of beers. Isoamyl acetate is a key flavor characteristic of some Lager and ale beers. At the same time, it is also a German wheat beer (Hefeweizens) and has many of the signature flavor characteristics of Belgian ale beer.
  • Reason: Estery is a by-product naturally produced in the fermentation process. The strong or unsuitable fruity taste of beer style is sometimes caused by the fermentation temperature. Generally speaking, the higher the fermentation temperature, the more esters the yeast produces. Also, the low-oxygen environment contributes to the production of esters.
craft beer
Guide to beer off-flavors: isoamyl acetate

The most important ester found in beer is isoamyl acetate, which has a flavor like rubber or pear blossom. Isoamyl acetate is considered an ester, or a mixture of alcohol and acid. Because fermentation (yeast converting sugar into alcohol) produces isoamyl acetate, isoamyl acetate is a very common off-flavors in all beer. Although the content

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craft beer
Guide to beer off-flavors: isoamyl acetate

The most important ester found in beer is isoamyl acetate, which has a flavor like rubber or pear blossom. Isoamyl acetate is considered an ester, or a mixture of alcohol and acid. Because fermentation (yeast converting sugar into alcohol) produces isoamyl acetate, isoamyl acetate is a very common off-flavors in all beer. Although the content

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Beer smells bad

Beer smells bad

  • Source of odor: Lightstruck (3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol / Mercaptan)
  • Identification method: This smell is similar to the smell of a skunk or the smell of freshly brewed coffee. It also emits a musty smell, as well as burnt rubber or cat musk smell.
  • What it is: The Lightstruck feature is a related peculiar smell produced by beer exposed to transparent or green glass packaging under the light. Light-colored beer or beer that contains a lot of hops is more prone to stinking. You can use beer bottles of special colors or materials to avoid the smell of beer. Of course, you can also use isomerized hop extracts to brew beer.
  • Cause: When hops are exposed to ultraviolet rays from sunlight or fluorescent lamps, alpha acid will decompose and react with hydrogen sulfide produced by yeast. This reaction will produce mercaptans. Mercaptans and skunks secrete the same chemicals when sprayed, which is why the smell of pale beer is so similar to that of skunks.
Guide to beer off-flavors light-struck
Guide to beer off-flavors: Light-struck

The most common odor in commercial beer and craft beer is the smelly “Light-struck” flavor and aroma. It can make your beer emit a strong smell (it feels like a skunk) and make it unpleasant to drink. Guide to beer off-flavors: Light-struck What is Light-struck? When light hits the beer, the ultraviolet rays interact with

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Guide to beer off-flavors light-struck
Guide to beer off-flavors: Light-struck

The most common odor in commercial beer and craft beer is the smelly “Light-struck” flavor and aroma. It can make your beer emit a strong smell (it feels like a skunk) and make it unpleasant to drink. Guide to beer off-flavors: Light-struck What is Light-struck? When light hits the beer, the ultraviolet rays interact with

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The beer smells like paper

  • Source of odor: oxidation reaction (nonenal)
  • Identification method: The oxidized beer smells like old wet cardboard or has the smell and taste of paper.
  • What it is: Nonenal is an odor associated with aging in beer. This odor becomes more pronounced when the preventive measures related to minimizing the oxidation process are not taken. Introducing excessive oxygen into the beer (especially when the wort is still warm or after fermentation is complete) can produce a cardboard or sherry-like taste.
  • Cause: Oxidation occurs when oxygen reacts negatively with molecules in wort or beer. This may be difficult to avoid because the wort needs to be aerated before the yeast inoculation. When the beer is transferred from one container to another, unnecessary splashes of the beer will occur, which will also cause the wort to produce an oxidation reaction. Also, too much headspace in the beer bottle can cause oxidation.
Guide to beer off-flavors-papery(oxidized)
Guide to beer off-flavors: papery (oxidized)

Both commercial brewers and homebrewers are doing their best to reduce the oxygen content in the finished beer. The oxygen in the finished beer will destroy the long-term stability of the beer’s flavor and clarity, as well as cause peculiar smells. The oxidized beer will show a paper peculiar smell or even a sweet stone

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Guide to beer off-flavors-papery(oxidized)
Guide to beer off-flavors: papery (oxidized)

Both commercial brewers and homebrewers are doing their best to reduce the oxygen content in the finished beer. The oxygen in the finished beer will destroy the long-term stability of the beer’s flavor and clarity, as well as cause peculiar smells. The oxidized beer will show a paper peculiar smell or even a sweet stone

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Musty smell in a beer

Musty smell in a beer

  • Source of odor: TCA (2,4,6-trichloroanisole)
  • Identification method: This beer smells like mold, cork, or damp cellar.
  • What is it: Trichloroacetic acid is a chemical produced by molds that consume chlorinated phenols and metabolizes them. Currently, we can detect extremely low levels of trichloroacetic acid.
  • Cause: Under normal circumstances, TCA will be produced when beer is fermented in a humid place. Of course, if the grain is stored in a humid place, it can also cause TCA. Also, TCA can migrate through most packaging, so cross-contamination may occur in many areas of beer production (from raw materials to final packaging).

Beer has a clove scent

  • Source of odor: phenolic (4-vinyl guaiacol)
  • Identification method: This beer smells of cloves, but it can also show some characteristics of cough syrup, smoke, or other spices and herbs.
  • What is it: Phenolic is the main flavor of some ale and dark beer, but it is generally considered to be the off-flavor in bottom-fermented beer. It may be the signature flavor of certain beers, including German wheat beer.
  • Cause: Phenolic flavoring agent is usually caused by the presence of wild yeast or the use of special yeast during the fermentation process. Poor sanitary conditions, raw materials are contaminated by phenolic compounds, and the action of bacteria will cause the beer to produce phenolic flavors.
Guide to beer off-flavors phenolics
Guide to beer off-flavors: Phenolics

Beer always contains some form of phenols (phenols and polyphenols, etc.), such as tannins (directly derived from hops and malt). Although low levels of polyphenols can increase the taste of beer, high levels of polyphenols can cause dryness and astringency. When beer glasses are described as phenols, they usually refer to volatile phenols. Volatile phenols

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Guide to beer off-flavors phenolics
Guide to beer off-flavors: Phenolics

Beer always contains some form of phenols (phenols and polyphenols, etc.), such as tannins (directly derived from hops and malt). Although low levels of polyphenols can increase the taste of beer, high levels of polyphenols can cause dryness and astringency. When beer glasses are described as phenols, they usually refer to volatile phenols. Volatile phenols

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The beer has a green apple flavor

The beer has a green apple flavor

  • Source of odor: acetaldehyde
  • Identification method: This beer tastes like green apple, rotten apple, latex paint, or freshly cut pumpkin.
  • What is it: Acetaldehyde is a naturally occurring chemical substance that yeast can produce during the fermentation of beer. Under normal circumstances, acetaldehyde is converted to ethanol. When there is not enough yeast input or processing higher alcoholic beer, this process may take longer. Also, it is still a unique flavor of certain beer styles, but high concentrations of acetaldehyde can be considered as peculiar smells.
  • Cause: This peculiar smell is caused by insufficient fermentation time or insufficient yeast for fermentation. Also, it may be caused by the use of low-quality yeast, and the yeast does not have enough time to convert acetaldehyde into ethanol. The production of acetaldehyde may also be caused by bottle packaging problems.
Guide to beer off-flavors acetaldehyde
Guide to beer off-flavors: acetaldehyde

The peculiar smell in beer has always been a headache for brewers, although some peculiar smells are characteristic in some beer styles. But acetaldehyde is a special taste, because it may cause you to have a hangover, which is very detrimental to your health. Next, Micet Craft will introduce you to acetaldehyde-related content, so that

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Guide to beer off-flavors acetaldehyde
Guide to beer off-flavors: acetaldehyde

The peculiar smell in beer has always been a headache for brewers, although some peculiar smells are characteristic in some beer styles. But acetaldehyde is a special taste, because it may cause you to have a hangover, which is very detrimental to your health. Next, Micet Craft will introduce you to acetaldehyde-related content, so that

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Beer has a rancid smell

  • Source of odor: butyric acid
  • Identification method: This beer smells rancid, like a sick baby.
  • What is it: The peculiar smell of butyric acid is a very obvious smell, with the smell of a baby being sick. Unsurprisingly, it is considered a peculiar smell in all beer.
  • Cause: Butyric acid is mainly produced by bacteria in the wort production stage. The deterioration of beer after packaging may also be caused by bacteria.
Acid in beer
Acid in beer

The acid in beer is one of the flavors of beer, it can give the beer a soft and refreshing taste. At the same time, it is also an important buffer material, which is a condition to ensure the smooth progress of saccharification and fermentation. Through the introduction and discussion of the types, sources, influencing

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Acid in beer
Acid in beer

The acid in beer is one of the flavors of beer, it can give the beer a soft and refreshing taste. At the same time, it is also an important buffer material, which is a condition to ensure the smooth progress of saccharification and fermentation. Through the introduction and discussion of the types, sources, influencing

Read More »
The beer smells like vinegar

The beer smells like vinegar

  • Source of odor: Acetic acid
  • Identification method: This beer that smells like vinegar, sour or spoiled can be tasted on both sides of the tongue towards the back of the mouth.
  • What is it: Acetic acid is a kind of vinegar or sour taste. It is present in all beers at a certain concentration. It is a normal part of a balanced flavor and is present in all Lager beer, malt beer, dark beer, and wheat beer. Only when acetic acid is present in a high concentration of beer will it turn into a peculiar smell.
  • Cause: Acetic acid is produced by yeast during the fermentation process and is a natural part of the brewing process. It can produce more acetic acid through wild yeast than other yeasts and will change the flavor characteristics of the beer. The very sour and vinegar taste generally means that the beer is infected by bacteria or wild yeast. Acetic acid can be produced by bacteria consuming sugar and indicates beer spoilage or greater problems.
Acid in beer
Acid in beer

The acid in beer is one of the flavors of beer, it can give the beer a soft and refreshing taste. At the same time, it is also an important buffer material, which is a condition to ensure the smooth progress of saccharification and fermentation. Through the introduction and discussion of the types, sources, influencing

Read More »
Acid in beer
Acid in beer

The acid in beer is one of the flavors of beer, it can give the beer a soft and refreshing taste. At the same time, it is also an important buffer material, which is a condition to ensure the smooth progress of saccharification and fermentation. Through the introduction and discussion of the types, sources, influencing

Read More »

The beer has a cheesy taste

  • Source of odor: Cheese (Isovaleric)
  • Identification method: This beer smells like old cheese or sweaty socks.
  • What is it: Isoprene flavor is characteristic of certain beer styles, such as Indian pale Al. The typical “Cheesy” characteristic is usually associated with very bitter beer. In pale Lager beer, the characteristic of isovaleric acid is regarded as an off-flavor.
  • Cause: The odor of isoprene is usually introduced by old hops. This compound is produced with the time of hops and the alpha acid that loses its bitterness. It produces flavors represented by cheese, sweat, or grape juice.
Acid in beer
Acid in beer

The acid in beer is one of the flavors of beer, it can give the beer a soft and refreshing taste. At the same time, it is also an important buffer material, which is a condition to ensure the smooth progress of saccharification and fermentation. Through the introduction and discussion of the types, sources, influencing

Read More »
Acid in beer
Acid in beer

The acid in beer is one of the flavors of beer, it can give the beer a soft and refreshing taste. At the same time, it is also an important buffer material, which is a condition to ensure the smooth progress of saccharification and fermentation. Through the introduction and discussion of the types, sources, influencing

Read More »

The beer smells like mouthwash

  • Source of odor: Chlorophenol (2,6-dichlorophenol)
  • Identification method: This beer smells like mouthwash, band-aids, preservatives, disinfectants, and other medicinal and hospital features.
  • What is it: It is the taste of beer after the external contamination of the brewing raw materials or packaging materials with chlorophenols. This peculiar smell can also be caused when chlorinated water is used to brew or flush brewery equipment.
  • Cause: This may be caused by improper rinsing in the brewery during the cleaning phase, which means chlorophenols are brought into the raw beer materials. This can also happen if the beer conveyor line is not flushed normally.
Beer off-flavor guide chlorophenol
Beer off-flavor guide: Chlorophenol

Have you ever tried a beer that smells of medicine and tastes like band-aids? If so, it is because the beer contains chlorophenol. Chlorophenol can give the beer a plastic taste, smoke, chlorine disinfectant, or band-aid taste. Next, the brewer of Micet Craft will explain the source of chlorophenol and how to reduce the content

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Beer off-flavor guide chlorophenol
Beer off-flavor guide: Chlorophenol

Have you ever tried a beer that smells of medicine and tastes like band-aids? If so, it is because the beer contains chlorophenol. Chlorophenol can give the beer a plastic taste, smoke, chlorine disinfectant, or band-aid taste. Next, the brewer of Micet Craft will explain the source of chlorophenol and how to reduce the content

Read More »
Beer has astringency

Beer has astringency

  • Source of odor: Tannin
  • Identification method: This beer is a dry, granular, unclear, tannin feel, like sucking wet tea bags or grape skins.
  • What is it: The astringency gives people a wrinkle feeling, almost powdery or metal bumps in the mouth. It can also be sour, vinegar, tannin, and dry.
  • Causes: Polyphenols and tannins are the number one cause of this peculiar smell in beer. Tannins are found in the skins or husks of cereals and the skins of fruits. Grains that have been steeped for too long or that have been over-milled or crushed will release tannins.
There are many other tastes, smells, or aromas in beer. You should ensure the following when brewing:
  1. Good personal hygiene or environmental hygiene can prevent most problems;
  2. Adding enough yeast to your specific beer recipe will also solve many problems;
  3. Always remember the importance of fermentation temperature!
By now, you have learned about 15 peculiar smells that are common in breweries. Unfortunately, most of the off-flavors in beer occur between the brewhouse and the storage. This means that when customers recognize them, they have no other choice but to spit out beer and notify the restaurant manager. You need to better understand the reasons that cause the beer to taste bad and be able to identify them. This is to help the waiter understand when the beer needs to be changed and help the brewery understand how to brew in a customer experience.
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