The science of tasting beer

Flavour is a wonderful thing, yet an enormously complex concept to get your head around.

We all know that aroma plays a huge part in flavour, but actually it is the combination of all of our senses; sight, smell, taste, touch (mouthfeel) and even sound that make up the ‘flavour’ we perceive - try eating a crunchy tortilla chip with earplugs in and it won’t be the same experience.

Years ago we used to think that different parts of our tongue were responsible for detecting the different elements of taste – sweet at the front of the tongue, bitter at the back, sour and salt down the sides – but it has since been proven this phenomenon is more to do with how our brain processes the flood of information than it is the anatomy of the tongue.

Whilst different parts of the tongue might have tastebuds that are very slightly better at detecting sweet, salt, sour, bitter or umami, every one of them is perfectly up to the task of tasting anything, so forget that colour-coded tongue flavour map you drew in school.

But as I mentioned, flavour is about so much more than the tongue. As any lover of craft beer knows, aroma plays a huge part in our enjoyment of beer, and the aroma you detect through your nostrils (known as orthonasal olfaction) affects the way you taste the beer.

Except it’s not that simple. As well as the aroma we get through our nostrils there’s something else going on too - retronasal olfaction. This is the chemical reaction which occurs where your nose and mouth meet. Essentially this is the aroma that is created and detected inside your mouth as you drink a beer, and it plays a huge role in how you perceive flavour. In fact the combination of these two ways in which we smell contributes up to 80% of the information we perceive as flavour. Our tongue can only detect those basic five tastes, but your nose can identify thousands of different aromas.

So if our sense of smell plays such a huge role in how we perceive the flavour of a beer, what can we do to maximise the drinking experience? Well first of all, you need to use the right glass.

If the beer is the music, then the glass is the speaker – it plays a huge role in your enjoyment of the beer by changing the way in which the volatile compounds (the particles our nose detects as aroma) are directed and presented.

Try it for yourself. Grab an aromatic, hoppy beer and pour it in equal measures into a straight sided tumbler and a large red wine glass. They will smell completely different, particularly as you drink, when the aroma compounds are disturbed and projected out. You’ll get a much more pronounced aroma from the wine glass than you will the straight sided tumbler, which is why certain styles of beer glass are better for different types of beer.

That doesn’t mean every beer will taste better in a balloon or tulip shaped glass though, as not all beers are at their best with the aroma turned up to eleven. Some beers, such as a well-hopped pilsner can actually taste better in a longer, thinner glass, not only because it shows off the wonderful colour of the beer, but also because it seems to slightly mute the aroma whilst accentuating the bitterness. Leading to the perception of a crisper, drier, more refreshing beer.

The way you pour a beer can affect the flavour too. Pulling a pint through a sparkler creates extra body and a larger, creamier head, pushing more of the volatile aroma compounds into the head of the beer, but it also knocks some of the condition out of the beer itself and ultimately changes the mouthfeel and flavour. Whether that’s a good thing or not depends on personal preference, but what we can all agree on is it changes the way the beer tastes.

Flavour is your brain’s attempt at decoding a flood of information from your senses into something which we can understand and react to.

So next time you try a beer and don’t like it, just remember, it’s all in your head, and you’ve only yourself to blame.







This article first appeared in Ferment Magazine



38 comments:

  1. Hi Neil, hope you are well. Do you have an email address that I can contact you on? Thanks, Natalie

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi, yes it's eatingisntcheating@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dawson is as interesting and entertaining a personality with whom one could ever hope to spend a day, beer or no beer; unrivalled in his knowledge of the history of Toronto as it relates to brewing and breweries.beer tours Niagara falls

    ReplyDelete
  4. Do you think that here is any kind of science which tells you about the tasting beer? At the time when i read this top british essays topic then i laugh because author give it the name of science. Here is no science and that was only for you taste.

    ReplyDelete
  5. And for only $99 (2012 price), including lunch, learning and all the brew the body can button, what a bargain.Niagara Falls brewery tour

    ReplyDelete
  6. That's really informative. Use rushessay service for your next blog posts.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow!! This truly is an awesome and nice blog to read!!
    Also Thanks for sharing this informative post!!
    Buy regular gmail accounts

    ReplyDelete
  8. Some methods to search out good sportsbook as well as handicapping service or sources of free picks is to read opinions and to hitch forums.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Election Signs are an important tool in propagating your https://www.lawnsignsbrampton.com/election-signs/. We offer signs for all major elections in Ontario, Quebec & British Columbia. We offer custom ink colors matches.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Social media marketing is currently the most important way to express your business to your customers. Due to recent pandemic situation, the world has changed digitally, for this purpose social media accounts are really necessary. And we recommend you to buy Facebook, Instagram, Twitter Pinterest Google accounts from us at very affordable and reasonable price. Thanks. Buy instagram pva accounts

    ReplyDelete
  11. Prescribe us to your companion and win a reference reward. Assuming that your companion benefits of our internet based task help, a reward will be added to paper writers for hire your record. You can utilize a similar sum to pay for your next scholarly paper. Indeed, even your companions get the reward sum when they decide on our assistance with their tasks.

    ReplyDelete
  12. You never need to ponder your discount assuming your case is authentic. Check the discount strategy page to Write Essays For Money Uk know the proviso. You can return your cash in the event of a legitimate discount guarantee right away. This straightforwardness makes our task help administration online more agreeable.

    ReplyDelete
  13. ito increase your online business you should start email marketing, we offer you to Buy Gmail PVA Accounts

    ReplyDelete
  14. We sale all types of social media accounts like Instagram Gmail yahoo Facebook Pinterest Twitter telegram number telegram members in good price 100 unique ip accounts aged and fresh accounts are available please visit for more information. Buy instagram pva accounts

    ReplyDelete
  15. Goodness!! This really is an amazing and decent blog to peruse!!
    Likewise Thanks for sharing this useful post!! Branded stationery

    ReplyDelete
  16. Expecting that your sidekick benefits from our web based task help, a prize will be added to paper essayists for recruit your record. You can use a comparative total to pay for your next insightful paper. Online entertainment showcasing is at present the main method for communicating your business to your clients.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Paper composing administrations are lawful however coaches don't permit them. Most organizations, in any case, have areas of get paid to write essays for college students strength for a strategy that directs their composing practice. They perceive that it is against their arrangement to exchange, sell or move your substance to outsiders without earlier notification.

    ReplyDelete

  18. StayColdApparel Have exclusive new Designs for you available in Pre-order

    Book your with StayColdApparel "Stay Cold" (staying cold) to distance yourself from the opinions and expectations of others so you'll be able to achieve the freedom, to go your own way, live true to your own values and become yourself, no matter what! Its your life and you set the rules! Make the best out of it. Stay Cold.

    For more details Visit us:- www.staycoldapparel.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Using the most up-to-date tools and processes, Houston, Texas-based We SOIL MODIFICATION in houston, texasaccurately targets and stabilises soil while inflicting the least amount of environmental harm.

    ReplyDelete
  20. We promise you'll have a blast competing UAE gaming tournaments in Dubaiin our tournaments, which are made for competitive players of all skill levels.

    ReplyDelete
  21. The team at Arix Digital goes above andMobile app development dubai above to thoroughly analyse organisational processes and procedures in order to create software

    ReplyDelete
  22. Our truffles have a unique melting qualityBuy chocolate truffles Dammam and a variety of flavors, so you'll feel incredibly satisfied after eating one.

    ReplyDelete
  23. We provide notary services and procedures that are designed to be as quick, simple, and uncomplicated as possible for our clients.

    ReplyDelete
  24. We don't put up with unreliable people at Accounting And Bookkeeping Services In Dubai which is why we have one of the top teams in the area and the best client to client connections.

    ReplyDelete
  25. If your case is valid, you'll never have to wonder about your discount. Prescribe us to your companion and win a reference reward. If your friend uses our Leon Kennedy Jacket, a reward will be added to your record.

    ReplyDelete
  26. They believe that Tax Free Dubai trading, selling, or moving your goods to strangers without your prior consent is against their agreement. You can pay for your subsequent informative paper using a comparable total.

    ReplyDelete
  27. You can pay for your subsequent informative paper using a comparable total. At this time, the primary means of informing your customers about your firm is through online entertainment showcasing. digimarketinginc.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. In Dammam, immerse yourself in a world of chocolate bliss, where an assortment of delectable chocolates in Dammam awaits. Indulge in the velvety smoothness, rich flavors, and irresistible sweetness that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Transform your home with santander home improvement loans easy-to-apply home improvement loans. Our streamlined process ensures quick approval and swift access to funds for your projects.

    ReplyDelete
  30. The science of tasting beer" is a fascinating journey into the art and precision of flavors! As you indulge in the intricate notes of your favorite brew, let Safety meeting catering services in Houston Texasbring the same level of culinary precision to your midday meals – where every bite is a delightful experiment in taste and satisfaction

    ReplyDelete
  31. Discover the charm of our Floral Collection, where the beauty of nature blossoms into artistic expression. Every flower, from bright lilies to delicate roses, exudes grace and elegance and adds a magical touch to any event.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Your content is informative and refreshing. I appreciate the valuable insights you offer. Thanks for explaining complex topics so clearly. I have shared your posts with others, and they find them informative as well. Interior Window Cleaning in Coquitlam

    ReplyDelete

  33. Ordering coffee online in Dubai provides a hassle-free way to enjoy your favorite brew, with a diverse selection of beans and blends available at your fingertips. From specialty roasts to order coffee online in dubaiclassic favorites, discover the perfect cup to elevate your coffee experience in the bustling city of Dubai.


    ReplyDelete
  34. I've had similar experiences with this issue. Thanks for sharing! General Contractor Services

    ReplyDelete
  35. If you're looking to enhance the exterior of your home, finding experienced siding installers in New Britain is crucial. These professionals offer a range of services designed to improve the durability and appearance of your property. From selecting the right materials to expert installation, siding installers in New Britain ensure that your home not only looks great but is also protected from the elements. With their expertise and attention to detail, you can trust that your siding project will be completed to the highest standards.

    ReplyDelete