Bitterness in alcoholic beverages: The profiles of perception, constituents, and contributors

Publication date: Available online 29 December 2019Source: Trends in Food Science & TechnologyAuthor(s): Yi Luo, Linghua Kong, Ruiqi Xue, Wu Wang, Xiaole XiaAbstractBackgroundBitterness is a basic flavor in alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, liquor, and rice wine) and has physiological significance, although excessive and disharmonious bitterness is unpleasant. Current research on flavor in alcoholic beverages is primarily focused on volatile constituents and distinctive flavor compounds. However, studies on the recognition, identification, and metabolic mechanism of bitter substances are still in the preliminary phase.Scope and approachThis review provides an integrated account of the signal transduction and recognition, composition and sensory properties of bitterness in alcoholic beverages. Abiotic and biotic factors within fermentation systems that may influence the bitterness of the fermented beverages are summarized. Future research on the molecular characteristics, taste attributes, and metabolic pathways of bitterness are discussed herein.Key findings and conclusionsPolyphenol and iso-α-acid extracted from grapes and hops are the typical bitter substances in wine and beer. Microbial metabolites, including bitter peptides and higher alcohols, are the primary contributors to bitterness in liquor and rice wine. These compounds can activate one or more specific bitter taste receptors. Manufacturing processes and sensory interactions also influence the perception of bittern...
Source: Trends in Food Science and Technology - Category: Food Science Source Type: research