From Vol. 2, No. 2, June 2018
Researchers at the University of Nottingham concluded the addition of hop aroma oils changes the perceived intensity and quality of bitterness after conducting several tests in which they dosed beers with oils from Hersbrucker, East Kent Goldings and Zeus hops. The highlights:
– At low bitterness levels adding hop aroma significantly increased perceived bitterness intensity and made bitterness harsher and more lingering.
– At medium bitterness levels, similar results were noted.
– At high bitterness levels, the impact of added hop aroma on perceived bitterness was minimal.
– Adding hop oils to beers bittered with the same hop varieties gave a higher perceived bitterness intensity than when paired with bitterness of other varieties (thus, blending may result in lower intensity).
– Components in Hersbrucker oil mediated trigeminal sensations in the mouth, which can moderate perceived bitterness quality and intensity. Passing this one along not to suggest that Hersbrucker is a candidate for any kind if IPA, but because she is one of my favorite hops.