sulphur dioxide
21 mg per capsule
“Sulphitic, like a struck match or young white wine”
Certified beer flavour standard used to train professional beer tasters to recognize and scale the intensity of sulphitic character. Sulphur dioxide is produced by lager yeasts (but not by ale yeasts) during fermentation. Some brewers add this substance to their beers in one form or another as an antioxidant. Sulphites keep beer fresh during storage. They also impart a distinctive sulphury note to beer.
Food grade | free from sensory impurities | extensively tested | safe to smell and taste.
Technical specification
Assessment
The best way to detect sulphur dioxide (SO2) in beer is as follows. Without covering the glass, swirl the beer to release the aroma. Take a single short sniff. Repeat as necessary.
Amount of flavour per capsule
21 mg per capsule
Threshold
The flavour threshold of sulphur dioxide in beer is 3 – 7 mg / l. The precise value depends on the concentration of carbonyl compounds such as acetaldehyde in the beer.
Origins
Acetaldehyde is produced by lager (but not by ale or wheat beer) yeast during fermentation. It may be added to beer as an antioxidant in some markets.
Confusions
Professional beer tasters can confuse the flavour of sulphur dioxide with the following:
Ethanethiol
Dimethyl trisulphide
Hydrogen sulphide
Importance
Sulphites keep beer fresh during storage. They affect the flavour intensity of many beer aldehydes. When added as an antioxidant, they impart a distinctive sulphury character to fresh beer.
CAS registry number
The CA registry number of sulphur dioxide is 7757-83-7.
Other names
sulfur dioxide
sulfurous acid anhydride
fermenicide powder
fermenticide liquid
sulfurous anhydride
sulfurous oxide
SO2
sulfur oxide
oxosulfane oxide
Remarks
About 1% of tasters are sensitive to sulphites and may suffer an allergic reaction. Don't take any risks with your assessors' health. Check whether they have any allergy issues relating to sulphites prior to providing samples containing SO2 to them.
Threshold distribution
Capsules per pot
10
Legal notices
This product is protected by the following trade marks and patents:
US Patent no. D679900
European Community Trade Mark
Registration no. 009937574
European Community Trade Mark
Registration no. 009856527
US Trade Mark Registration no. 4345057
US Trade Mark Registration no. 4345056
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