Yeast and Fermentation Session
Thomas Tyrell, VLB Berlin, Germany
ABSTRACT: Organic acids had been of minor interest due to
relatively high flavor thresholds in beer. For that reason relatively
little is known about technological possibilities to influence their
concentration. Due to new knowledge from medical research about
salubriousness a rising interest in organic acids has been observed. A
few years ago a paper concerning gastric acid output introduced by
alcoholic beverages was published. It was observed that alcoholic
beverages from fermentation lead to a higher output of gastric acid then
alcoholic beverages from distillation. As responsible substances
organic acids, which are formed during fermentation, were described.
From these findings it was assumed that it could present an improvement
for fermented beverages to reduce the concentration of special organic
acids. In this way the salubriousness of the beverage could be enhanced,
and finally the drinkability could be improved. The presentation gives
an overview of technological possibilities to influence the
concentration of organic acids in brewing, pathways of their formation
re discussed, and the latest research results of a VLB project are
presented.
Thomas Tyrell apprenticed as a brewer and maltster
at the Pott’s Brauerei in Oelde, Germany, from 1991 to 1994. After his
apprenticeship, from 1994 to 2001 he gained working experience in
different breweries, including Saxer Brewing Company (Portland, OR),
Wettringer Brauhaus (Wettringen, Germany), Weißbräu Brauhaus (Cologne,
Germany), and Magister Cervecerías Artesanales (La Coruña, Spain).
Studying in Berlin at the Technical University he received a Diplom
Ingenieur degree in brewing science (2001–2006) (diploma thesis at
Cervecería Polar, Caracas Venezuela). Since early 2007 he has been at
VLB, and since 2008 part of the VLB Department of Brewing and Beverage
Science & Applications. At VLB he is responsible for
research/consulting projects. In addition coordination of the
institute’s activities for Iberoamerica are part of his
responsibilities.
