University of California, Davis

Beer Quality: Color & Clarity

This course is part of Beer Quality Specialization

Charles Bamforth

Instructor: Charles Bamforth

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

8 hours to complete
3 weeks at 2 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

8 hours to complete
3 weeks at 2 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Discover the science behind beer color and clarity, how to measure and assess color, and how to achieve ideal color and clarity in beer.

Details to know

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Assessments

8 assignments

Taught in English

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Beer Quality Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate
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There are 4 modules in this course

In this module, we begin discussing how beer color and clarity influences the consumer. We'll review some informal research that was conducted regarding consumer perception of beer based on clarity. If you clarify a beer, does it take anything away? We'll discuss this question.

What's included

5 videos3 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt

In this module, we'll discuss color, some of the basic science behind it, and how humans perceive it. We'll review the Beer-Lambert law equation as well as well as the ASBC and EBC methods of measuring color and look at light absorbance of various beers. Then, we'll review methods and devices used to measure color and discuss what to consider when choosing a method. We'll go over the main source of color in most beers, the Maillard Reaction. And, you'll understand how the oxidation of polyphenols affects beer color, ways of adjusting beer color, and discuss what to do when your beer color is not what you were expecting.

What's included

7 videos2 readings2 assignments

In this module, we start our discussion regarding turbidity in beer and the role of bits in beer clarity. We'll discuss what invisible haze is and how it affects beer clarity, compare biological haze with non-biological haze, and compare and contrast chill haze with permanent haze. We'll also look at how we measure, interpret turbidity issues, discuss how bits and haze are measured, and touch on the role of microbiology in beer stability.

What's included

7 videos2 readings2 assignments

In this module, we discuss how grist, hops, malting, and mashing influence beer clarity and stability. We'll also discuss how wort, fermentation, cold conditioning, filtration, stabilizers, and packaging influence clarity and stability. We'll also offer methods of troubleshooting turbidity and touch on beta-glucan, arabinoxylan, starch, oxalate, and dead bacteria. We'll also offer methods of troubleshooting turbidity involving protein, foam stability, and polyphenols.

What's included

6 videos2 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt

Instructor

Charles Bamforth
University of California, Davis
5 Courses2,181 learners

Offered by

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