Skip to main content

Skunked! How Sunlight Steals the Soul of Your Beer

Ah, beer. A refreshing beverage enjoyed by many, crafted with love and precision by brewers worldwide. But there's a silent enemy lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike – light. That's right, sunlight can wreak havoc on your precious pint, transforming it from a hoppy delight to a skunky, undrinkable mess. Let's delve into the science behind this phenomenon and explore ways to protect your beer from this luminous foe.

The Culprit: Riboflavin & Skunky Odours:

Sunlight contains invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays. In hops, a molecule called riboflavin absorbs these rays. Unfortunately, the excited riboflavin reacts with other hop compounds, creating a chemical called 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol (3MBT). This compound, with its distinctive "skunky" aroma (think wet cardboard or skunk spray), is the culprit behind that unpleasant smell and taste associated with lightstruck beer.

Signs Your Beer Has Gone Bad:

While the skunky aroma is the giveaway, there are other signs to watch out for:

  • Colour change: Light exposure can bleach hops, making your beer appear lighter or faded.
  • Loss of flavour: The delicate hop aromas and flavours are the first victims of lightstruck damage.
  • Increased bitterness: While some hop bitterness remains, the overall taste profile becomes unbalanced and harsh.


Protecting Your Precious Pints:

So, how do you shield your beer from this luminous foe? Here are some tips:

  • Store beer in darkness: Opt for brown or green glass bottles that block UV rays. Cardboard boxes or opaque coolers offer additional protection. 
  • Mind your fridge: Fluorescent lights can emit UV rays. Store beer in the back of the fridge where it's darkest.
  • Buy fresh, drink fresh: The fresher the beer, the less time it has been exposed to potential light sources.
  • Be mindful at bars and restaurants: Check if their outdoor seating has umbrellas or shade to protect exposed beer.


Remember: By understanding the science of lightstruck beer and taking proper precautions, you can ensure your next sip is a symphony of flavour, not a skunky symphony of disappointment. So, raise a glass (in the shade, of course!) to enjoying delicious beer, free from the clutches of the luminous enemy.

Bonus Tip: Share this knowledge with your fellow beer lovers! Spread the word and help protect the world's precious pints from the skunky fate!

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

My Three Top Posts

Vatted Black Beer - What!

On a recent trip to Eastbourne, I had the great pleasure of bumping into this 'style' with the Monolith Vatted Black Beer from Burning Sky Brewery. Wow, what a beer, I scored it 10/10 . I've never come across this beer style before, so I was interested in learning a little more about it. What is Vatted Black Beer? Vatted black beer is a dark ale aged in wooden vats, Burning Sky Monolith was aged in Chianti barrels for three years. Like all similar beers, this leaved a rich, complex flavour that’s really is amazing and hard to beat. Sometimes these beers might have wild yeasts introduced or other micro-flora. The efforts that brewers go throught to produce these beers cannot be over-exaggerated, they are time consuming to produce and there are financial risks of cellaring beers, but the results can be stunning.  A VERY Brief History Lesson This beer style dates back to the 18th century. Back then, brewers used wooden vats to store their beer. Over time, they noti...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Rich History of Guinness: From Humble Beginnings to Global Icon

Love it or hate it, you can't disagree that Guinness, the iconic stout beer, has become synonymous with Irish culture and heritage, think of Ireland and you'll instantly think of Guinness. It has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world for over two centuries now, and while I'm not a fan of this brown beer, the history of Guinness is a fascinating.   How It All Started The story of Guinness goes all the way back to 1759, when Arthur Guinness, signed a 9,000 year lease for a piece of land that became the St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland. With an initial investment of just £100, Arthur Guinness set up his brewery on a modest four acre plot.  He initially brewed traditional beer, but he soon switched to a style of beer known as a Porter, which he had noticed was gaining popularity in London at the time.  Porter is a dark beer made with roasted barley, this produces a distinctive flavour and appearance that sets it apart from other beers. This switch p...
Post a Comment
Read more

Timothy Taylor's Knowle Spring - better than Landlord?

Welcome to what could be a controversial blog post, and let me get straight to the point ..  I prefer Knowle Spring over Landlord; I know, probably not something you hear often, but let me explain. I think that Timothy Taylor's Knowle Spring, has a fairly unique character and delightful flavours. As we explore this blonde beer, we'll also draw some comparisons with its beter known sibling, Landlord, to help you understand why I think Knowle Spring is probably the best beer in the Timothy Taylor family (but only just!).   Introducing Knowle Spring to You All I first had this wonder beer about five years ago in a country pub in Yorkshire (the name escapes me), but I instantly fell for this beer.  This 4.2% ABV Knowle Spring is a relatively recent addition to Timothy Taylor's lineup, having been introduced in 2017. This Golden Ale was created to offer a lighter, more refreshing option compared to some of the brewery's other offerings. The name actually comes from the sprin...
Post a Comment
Read more