Autochthonous Biological Resources for the Production of Regional Craft Beers: Exploring Possible Contributions of Cereals, Hops, Microbes, and Other Ingredients

Anticholinesterase Activity and Bioactive Compound Profiling of Six Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) Varieties

Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) are widely recognized for their use in brewing, but they also possess significant pharmacological properties due to their rich bioactive compounds, with many varieties exhibiting diverse characteristics. This study investigates the chemical composition and biological activities of extracts from six hop varieties, focusing on quantifying xanthohumol and lupulone using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Total Phenolic Content (TPC) analysis. The hop varieties demonstrated significant variability in bioactive compound concentrations, with Aurora showing the highest xanthohumol (0.665 mg/g) and Zwiegniowski the highest lupulone (9.228 mg/g). TPC analysis revealed Aurora also had the highest phenolic content (22.47 mg GAE/g). Antioxidant activities were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP assays, with Aurora and Oregon Fuggle displaying the most potent capacities. Aurora, in particular, showed the highest activity across multiple assays, including significant acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and tyrosinase inhibition, with IC50 values of 24.39 mg/mL, 20.38 mg/mL, and 9.37 mg/mL, respectively. The chelating activity was also assessed, with Apolon demonstrating the strongest metal ion binding capacity (IC50 = 1.04 mg/mL). Additionally, Aurora exhibited the most effective hyaluronidase inhibition (IC50 = 10.27 mg/mL), highlighting its potential for anti-inflammatory applications. The results underscore the influence of genetic and environmental factors on the bioactive compound profiles of hop varieties and their biological activity offering promising avenues for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the potential interactions between hop cones components.

In-depth analysis of volatolomic and odorous profiles of novel craft beer by permutation test features selection and multivariate correlation analysis

This research explored the impact of binary cereal blends [barley with durum wheat (DW) and soft wheat (CW)], four autochthonous yeast strains (9502, 9518, 14061 and 17290) and two refermentation sugar concentrations (6-9 g/L), on volatolomics (VOCs) and odour profiles of craft beers using unsupervised statistics. For the first time, we applied permutation test to select volatiles with higher significance in explaining variance among samples. The unsupervised approach on the 19 selected VOCs revealed cereal-yeast interaction to be the main source of variability and DW-9502-6/9, DW-17290-6, CW-17290-6 and CW-9518-6 being the best technological strategies. In particular, in samples DW-9502-6/9, concentrations of some of the selected volatiles were observed to be approximately three to more than seven times higher than the average. PLS-correlation between VOCs and odour profiles proved to be very useful in assessing the weight of each of the selected VOCs on the perception of odour notes.

A multivariate approach to explore the volatolomic and sensory profiles of craft Italian Grape Ale beers produced with novel Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains

This study investigated the influence of three Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, selected from different matrices - CHE-3 (cherry), P4 (sourdough) and TA4-10 (grape must) - on characteristics of Italian Grape Ale (IGA) beers obtained at microbrewery scale. A multidisciplinary approach, combining results from analysis of chemical, volatile and organoleptic profiles of the beers, was adopted to underline the relationships between yeast starter and the quality of final products. Detection volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by Gas-Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) after extraction carried out by head-space micro-extraction (HS-SPME) revealed that the beer obtained by P4 strain differed from the others for its higher concentrations of esters, alcohols, and terpenes as confirmed by PCA (principal component analysis) and Cluster heatmap. Furthermore, sensorial analysis and consumer test showed that this sample differed from others by more pronounced notes of "fruity smell and floral" and "olfactory finesse," and it was the most appreciated beer for smell, taste, and overall quality. Conversely, CHE-3 was the sample with the lowest concentrations of the identified volatiles and, together TA4-10, showed the highest scores for smoked, yeast, malt, and hop notes. As far as we know, these are the first results on the application of indigenous S. cerevisiae strains in the production of craft IGA beers analyzed through a complex multivariate approach.

Fruit Beer with the Bisucciu Sardinian Apricot Cultivar (Prunus armeniaca L.): A Technological and Analytical Approach

The aim of this work was to test native microbial strains and fruits for brewing, with a multidisciplinary approach for a sustainable production linked to the territory. Pediococcus acidilactici B5 and Hanseniaspora uvarum L2 strains were isolated from apricot Bisucciu fruits, a Sardinian local variety (Prunus armeniaca L.), and P. acidilactici B5 was used to ferment a sterile apricot Bisucciu puree, which was then added to a malt wort. The H. uvarum L2 strain and the industrial yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae US-05 were used sequentially to ferment a portion of this wort (M2); a control was carried out with an industrial yeast, S. cerevisiae T-58 (T58). Beer standard quality parameters were studied and a sensorial analysis performed in the beers obtained from the two fermentations. Intermediate and end molecular products were characterized by proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) for glucidic, organic acids and amino acids and by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (SPME/GC/MS) for volatile profiles. M2 and T58 samples showed differences in color, foam stability and in the carbohydrates, acids and amino acids profiles. The highest concentrations of ethyl acetate were found in M2, whereas a high concentration of 3-methylbutan-1-ol characterized T58. Sensory analysis highlighted differences in flavor, astringency and balance between the two beers studied.

A comprehensive review of the benefits of drinking craft beer: Role of phenolic content in health and possible potential of the alcoholic fraction

Currently, there is greater production and consumption of craft beer due to its appreciated sensory characteristics. Unlike conventional beer, craft beers provide better health benefits due to their varied and high content of phenolic compounds (PCs) and also due to their alcohol content, but the latter is controversial. The purpose of this paper was to report on the alcoholic fraction and PCs present in craft beers and their influence on health. Despite the craft beer boom, there are few studies on the topic; there is a lot of field to explore. The countries with the most research are the United States > Italy > Brazil > United Kingdom > Spain. The type and amount of PCs in craft beers depends on the ingredients and strains used, as well as the brewing process. It was determined that it is healthier to be a moderate consumer of alcohol than to be a teetotaler or heavy drinker. Thus, studies in vitro, with animal models and clinical trials on cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes and obesity, osteoporosis and even the immune system suggest the consumption of craft beer. However, more studies with more robust designs are required to obtain more generalizable and conclusive results. Finally, some challenges in the production of craft beer were detailed and some alternative solutions were mentioned.

The Hop Cyst Nematode, Heterodera humuli: History, Distribution, and Impact on Global Hop Production

Humulus lupulus (commonly known as hop) is an herbaceous plant that is used in brewing throughout the world. Hop cones are an essential ingredient in the production of beer, which makes hops of critical importance to global craft beverage industries. The hop cyst nematode, Heterodera humuli, is a plant-parasitic nematode with the potential to substantially limit yields of hop. H. humuli has been detected in many of the most significant regions for hop production worldwide, and infestations of H. humuli can consequently impact hop growth and limit cone production. Despite documented reports on the distribution of and damage caused by H. humuli since its description in 1934, there have been limited studies on the biology, pathogenicity, management, and consequences of infestations on hop production over time. Inconsistencies and gaps in the available information (e.g., the number of H. humuli generations per season, host status of alternate crops), exacerbate difficulties in understanding how H. humuli can be managed. Resolving the existing knowledge gaps identified within this review can lead to determining effective H. humuli management strategies for hop growers.

Versatility of Saccharomyces cerevisiae 41CM in the Brewery Sector: Use as a Starter for “Ale” and “Lager” Craft Beer Production

Craft breweries tend to use special raw materials and also special ingredients (spices, herbs, fruits) to typify beers, but the metabolic activities of yeasts play a primary role in defining the sensory characteristics of this beverage. Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces pastorianus are yeast species usually used for ale and lager beer production. The selection and use of new yeast starters with peculiar technological and enzymatic characteristics could represent the key point for the production of beers with good and distinctive organoleptic properties. In this study, the fermentative performance of S. cerevisiae 41CM yeast isolated from the vineyard environment for ale and lager craft beer production on a laboratory scale was evaluated. The commercial yeast S. cerevisiae Fermentis S-04 and S. pastorianus Weihenstephan 34/70 were used as reference strains. S. cerevisiae 41CM showed fermentative kinetics similar to commercial starters, both in lager (12 °C) and ale (20 °C) brewing. In all beers brewed, the largest percentage of volatile compounds synthesized during the fermentation were alcohols, followed by esters, terpenes, and aldehydes. In particular, S. cerevisiae 41CM starter contributed a higher relative percentage of esters in the ale beer than that detected in the lager beer, without ever synthesizing unwanted volatile compounds.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Diversity in Arbutus unedo L. Fermentations in Association with the Volatile and Sensory Similarities of the Distillates

The fermentation of Arbutus unedo L. fruit is traditionally carried out in the production of spirits. The present study followed the spontaneous fermentation of A. unedo fruit harvested in October and December 2019 by two producers from the central region of Portugal. The microbiota was studied, and although a great diversity of indigenous yeasts was found, S. cerevisiae isolates could still be grouped into eight clusters, and a good separation between producers was achieved. Based on the results of a multivariate analysis of the physical-chemical and volatile composition of the distillates, a distinction between the distillates from the two producers was determined. Moreover, these findings are corroborated by the similarities in flavor that were found. Along with the variability found in the distillates, S. cerevisiae isolates could be clustered and associated with each producer. On the other hand, the differentiation of the harvesting period was not so clear. The characterization of the indigenous yeasts associated with the fermentation process of Arbutus unedo L. fruit can serve as an important contribution to the preservation of the specific characteristics of its distillates.

Quality and Pro-Healthy Properties of Belgian Witbier-Style Beers Relative to the Cultivar of Winter Wheat and Raw Materials Used

Unmalted wheat grain and barley malt are the basic materials used in the production of Belgian wheat beers known as Witbier. A change in the ingredients defined in the recipe, by which part of the unmalted wheat is replaced with wheat malt, can positively affect the quality of the beverage produced. The purpose of the study was to brew Witbier-style beers made from four cultivars of winter wheat, with a 50% share of unmalted wheat and barley malt as well as Witbier-style beers made from four wheat cultivars, where 25% of unmalted wheat was replaced with wheat malt. Physicochemical and sensory analyzes showed mild differences in the quality of the beer products, more specifically higher alcohol content (by 11.33%) were found in beers made without the addition of wheat malt, while higher sensory attractiveness and 17.13% higher total polyphenol content were identified in beers enhanced with wheat malt. Phenolic compounds were identified using UPLC-PDA-MS/MS. The highest flavanol content, including kaempferol 3-O-rhamnoside-7-O-pentoside, was found in beers produced using wheat grains of the ‘Elixer’ cultivar, whether or not wheat malt was added; the values were 1.31 mg/L in E50 beer, and 1.39 mg/L in E25 beer. The same beer samples with the highest antioxidant and antiradical activity were found (in E25 beer, 2.35 mmol TE/L, and in E50 beer, 2.12 mmol Fe^2+/L). The present findings show that the investigated wheat cultivars may be used in beer production, whereas replacing part of unmalted wheat with wheat malt can improve the sensory profile of the beer produced.

Biopreservation of beer: Potential and constraints

The biopreservation of beer, using only antimicrobial agents of natural origin to ensure microbiological stability, is of great scientific and commercial interest. This review article highlights progress in the biological preservation of beer. It describes the antimicrobial properties of beer components and microbiological spoilage risks. It discusses novel biological methods for enhancing beer stability, using natural antimicrobials from microorganisms, plants, and animals to preserve beer, including legal restrictions. The future of beer preservation will involve the skilled knowledge-based exploitation of naturally occurring components in beer, supplementation with generally regarded as safe antimicrobial additives, and mild physical treatments.

Sound Stimulation Can Affect Saccharomyces cerevisiae Growth and Production of Volatile Metabolites in Liquid Medium

The biological effect of sound on microorganisms has been a field of interest for many years, with studies mostly focusing on ultrasonic and infrasonic vibrations. In the audible range (20 Hz to 20 kHz), sound has been shown to both increase colony formation and disrupt microbial growth, depending upon the organism and frequency of sound used. In the brewer's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, sound has been shown to significantly alter growth, increase alcohol production, and affect the metabolite profile. In this study, S. cerevisiae was exposed to a continuous 90 dB @ 20 μPa tone at different frequencies (0.1 kHz, 10 kHz, and silence). Fermentation characteristics were monitored over a 50-h fermentation in liquid malt extract, with a focus on growth rate and biomass yield. The profile of volatile metabolites at the subsequent stationary phase of the ferment was characterised by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Sound treatments resulted in a 23% increase in growth rate compared to that of silence. Subsequent analysis showed significant differences in the volatilomes between all experimental conditions. Specifically, aroma compounds associated with citrus notes were upregulated with the application of sound. Furthermore, there was a pronounced difference in the metabolites produced in high- versus low-frequency sounds. This suggests industrial processes, such as beer brewing, could be modulated by the application of audible sound at specific frequencies during growth.