Chemical and sensory profile of lager beers hopped with new Czech bitter varieties Boomerang and Gaia

Abstract

Characterising the sensory profiles of beers made from new hop varieties is of considerable importance for their application in brewing. New Czech bitter varieties Boomerang and Gaia were tested in three-year pilot brews (200 l) of 12% single-hopped pale lager, produced in kettle and kettle+dry-hopped variants. The hop-derived aroma and bitterness profile of the beers was evaluated using a comprehensive descriptive method. Hop-related volatiles in beer were determined by GC/MS-MS method. Both of these bitter varieties showed a pleasant bitterness profile even in dry-hopped beers. The overall impression of the beers from the varieties tested was favourable, at the level of the control beer (Saaz). The profile of hop derived volatiles and aroma in beers from Gaia and Boomerang varieties were different. The results show the potential of Boomerang for both single kettle-hopped beers and dry-hopped lagers due to its interesting aroma profile (spicy, herbal, floral). The Gaia variety can be used in a similar way, with a preference for dry hopping to give a well-balanced hop-derived aroma profile. Both varieties have shown considerable potential for the production of new beer brands, and their drought tolerance may also help their widespread cultivation.