AQUEOUS HOP PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES FOR IMPARTING FLAVOR AND AROMA TO BEVERAGES

Abstract

The present invention relates to natural aqueous essence compositions comprised of flavor and aroma constituents from hops. The invention also relates to methods for adding flavor and aroma to beers, ciders, meads, or other fermented beverages, as well as other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages such as seltzers, flavored waters, and teas where a hop-derived flavor and aroma is desired. The aqueous essence compositions are comprised of compounds that are naturally present in hops or in beer and/or result from processes that occur during brewing or in the aqueous processing of hop cones, hop pellets, or other solids separated from the hop plant (Humulus lupulus). The present invention also relates to the process by which aroma and flavor components are released and isolated from hops in a process that involves steam stripping, concentration, and collection of valuable aroma- and flavor-active hop constituents.

Claims

1. A water-soluble hop essence formulation comprising: (a) a myrcene content of from about 4% to about 10%; (b) an esters/ketones content of from about 25% to about 60%; (c) a sesquiterpenes content of from about 10% to about 20%; and (d) a sesquiterpene oxides content of from about 20% to about 50%.

2. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the myrcene content is from about 6% to about 8%.

3. The formulation according to claim 1, wherein the esters/ketones content is from about 35% to about 50%.

4. The formulation according to claim 1, wherein the sesquiterpene content is from about 10% to about 20%.

5. The formulation according to claim 1, wherein the sesquiterpene oxides content is from about 25% to about 40%.

6. The formulation according to claim 1, wherein the formulation has a ratio of esters/ketones to myrcene of about 4:1 to about 8:1.

7. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the formulation has a ratio of esters/ketones to myrcene of about 8:1.

8. The formulation according to claim 1, wherein the formulation has a ratio of sesquiterpene oxides to myrcene of about 2:1.

9. The formulation according to claim 1, wherein the formulation has a ratio of sesquiterpene oxides to myrcene of about 6:1.

10. The formulation according to claim 1, wherein the formulation is clear and colorless.

11. The formulation according to claim 1, wherein the concentration of hop oil components is lower than that of the non-oil hop components.

12. A clear, colorless aqueous solution of a formulation according to claim 1.

13. The clear, colorless aqueous solution of claim 12, devoid of organic solvents, suitable for introduction into a beverage manufacturing stream.

14. A beverage comprising the clear, colorless aqueous solution of claim 12, wherein the beverage is selected from a beer, a flavored water and a selzer.

15. The clear, colorless aqueous solution of claim 12, wherein the solution is suitable for introduction on the cold-side of a brewing process.

16. The formulation according to claim 1, wherein the formulation is true-to-type as determined by a sensory panel.

17. A method of preparing a formulation according to claim 1, the process comprising: (a) processing with a spinning cone column system an aqueous slurry comprising from about 2% to about 20% of hop solids in water through a spinning cone column and collecting the formulation.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the processing comprises a member selected from: (i) a system temperature from about 40 C. to about 80 C., e.g.; (ii) an offset temperature (T.sub.SCCFeedT.sub.SCC) from about 50 C. to about 25 C.; (iii) an external stripping rate of from about 2% to about 30%; and a combination thereof.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising, prior to (a) preparing the slurry by milling the hop solids with water.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising continuously adding the slurry to the spinning cone column system during the processing.

21. A water-soluble hop essence formulation comprising esters, ketones, myrcene and sesquiterpene oxides, wherein the ratio of esters/ketones to myrcene is from about 4:1 to about 8:1, and the ratio of sesquiterpene oxides to myrcene is from about 2:1 to about 6:1.

22. A clear, colorless aqueous solution of the water-soluble hop essence formulation according to claim 21.

23. A beverage comprising the clear, colorless hop essence formulation of claim 21.

24. The water-soluble hop essence formulation according to claim 21, wherein the formulation is produced by a method comprising: (a) processing with a spinning cone column system an aqueous slurry comprising from about 2% to about 20% of hop solids in water through a spinning cone column; and (b) collecting the formulation.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG. 1 diagrams an exemplary process of the invention.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a descriptive sensory analysis of beers produced with competing Citra dry-hop products. Beers brewed with a common wort stream and dosed at equivalent rates post fermentation with four liquid products. A control beer dry hopped with 0.5 pounds per barrel (Pellets) was evaluated for comparison. Fourteen members of the John I Haas Trained Sensory Panel rated the flavor characteristics of these beers using Descriptive Analysis on a 10-point scale. All samples were blinded with randomized 3-digit codes. This data was analyzed for differences between the samples using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Post-hoc analysis using Fishers Least Significant Difference (LSD) was applied to identify individual differences. The samples were found to be significantly different based on the Overall Hop Aromatic Intensity (OHAI), Sweet Fruit, and hedonic (Liking) values.

[0038] FIG. 3 is FIG. 3(a) Principal Component Analysis (PCA) biplot of Descriptive Analysis data. 81.19% of the variation between the samples is explained by the impact of each sensory attribute relative to the length and direction of the vector associated with that attribute. Samples in the same quadrant are most similar with each other, relative to their dissimilarity to the other samples; and FIG. 3(b) Confidence biplot for each samples placement on the PCA. Ellipses are produced using Bootstrap simulation (200 observations) and represent a 95% confidence interval relative to placement.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a summary of True-to-Type and Difference from Control (DFC). Panelists were provided with an industry accepted description of Citra type hops, Citra is often described as having characteristics of Sweet Fruits like Mango, Citrus including Lime and Grapefruit, Floral, other generic Tropical Fruits, and occasionally Catty and Pine, and then were asked to rate each sample as to its relationship to that definition. Nine out of Fourteen panelists found Essence and Product A to be most similar to the description. (b) Panelists were informed that the beer produced with pellets was a control beer. They were then asked to rate the remaining four samples on their overall dissimilarity to that control beer on a ten-point scale (0=identical, 1=just perceptible, 10=Very Different). Again, the beers produced with Essence and Product A were found to be least dissimilar from the pellet control beer.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a summary of panelist comments. While performing the initial descriptive analysis of the samples, panelists were given the opportunity to provide qualitative commentary regarding the organoleptic qualities of the samples in order to avoid dumping bias. This panel represents a summary of those comments, filtered based on the commonality of key words and terminology used by the panelists. Essence and Product A received comments indicating a higher degree of similarity to the Pellet control beercomments combining citrus, sweet fruit/tropical, floral, and woodythan Products B and C.

[0041] The data in FIG. 2-FIG. 5 were collected from products containing or derived from the same variety of hops.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The present invention provides new aqueous compositions from hops that can be used to add flavor and aroma to beverages at various levels. The present invention is useful to the brewing industry in that it provides compositions of natural, hop-derived, hop aroma and flavor constituents as an aqueous product that is not available via extant methods.

[0043] In one embodiment of the invention, whole hop cones are ground, dispersed in water, and subsequently agitated, e.g., via mechanical stirring, to generate a slurry that contains from about 2% to about 20% of hop solids by mass (wt/wt).

[0044] In another embodiment of the invention, hop pellets, most commonly referred to as Type 90 (T-90) pellets, are ground and dispersed in water to generate a slurry that contains from about 2% to about 20% of hop solids by mass.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, lupulin-enriched forms of hop solids, such as Type 45 (T-45) pellets or the like, are ground and dispersed in water to generate a slurry that contains from about 2% to about 20% of hop solids by mass.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, hop solids that are a byproduct from the production of lupulin-enriched forms of hop products, such as supercritical CO.sub.2 extracts, T-45 pellets, or the like, are ground and dispersed in water to generate a slurry that contains from about 2% to about 20% of hop solids by mass.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hop cones, hop pellets, or other hop solids are dispersed in water to generate a slurry that contains from about 4% to about 14% hop solids by mass.

[0048] In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hop cones, hop pellets, and/or other hop solids are dispersed in water to generate a slurry that contains from about 5% to about 8% hop solids by mass.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aqueous slurry of hop solids is subjected to processing with Spinning Cone Column (SCC) technology wherein parameters such as, but not limited to, SCC temperature, strip rate, offset temperature, steam temperature, feed temperature, slurry concentration, and slurry feed rate are adjusted to generate aqueous compositions comprising hop flavor and aroma constituents that can be used to impart hop flavor and aroma to beverages at various levels. Such adjustments are understood by those of skill in the art.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the SCC is operated at a system temperature between about 40 C. to about 120 C., e.g., from about 40 C. to about 80 C., e.g., from about 45 C. to about 65 C.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the SCC is operated with an offset temperature (T.sub.SCC FeedT.sub.SCC) from about 100 C. to about 50 C., e.g., from about 50 C. to about 25 C., e.g., from about 20 C. to about 10 C.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the SCC is operated with an external stripping rate of about 0.5% to about 50%, e.g., about 2% to about 30%, e.g., about 5% to about 20%.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the SCC is operated at a system temperature between about 40 C. to about 120 C., with an offset temperature (T.sub.SCC FeedT.sub.SCC) from about 100 C. to about 50 C., and an external stripping rate of about 0.5% to about 50%.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the SCC is operated at a system temperature from about 40 C. to about 80 C., with an offset temperature (T.sub.SCC FeedT.sub.SCC) from about 50 C. to about 25 C., and an external stripping rate of about 2% to about 30%.

[0055] In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the SCC is operated at a system temperature from about 45 C. to about 65 C., with an offset temperature (T.sub.SCC FeedT.sub.SCC) from about 20 C. to about 10 C., and an external stripping rate of about 5% to about 20%.

[0056] The parameters above may be combined and varied in any useful configuration to achieve a desired product.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, hop solids from any hop variety are dispersed in water to form a slurry and processed via SCC technology to afford an aqueous composition comprising hop flavor and aroma constituents that can be used to impart hop flavor and aroma to beverages at various levels.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, hop solids, e.g., from the hop varieties Mosaic, Citra, or Ekuanot are dispersed in water to form a slurry and subsequently processed via SCC technology to afford aqueous compositions comprising hop flavor and aroma constituents that can be used to impart hop flavor and aroma to beverages at various levels.

[0059] In various embodiments of the present invention, T-90 hop pellets from any hop variety are dispersed in water to form a slurry and processed via SCC technology to afford an aqueous composition comprising hop flavor and aroma constituents that is characterized as being true-to-type, wherein the sensory characteristics closely resemble those traditionally associated with the input hop variety. These aqueous compositions can be used to impart hop flavor and aroma to beverages at any level.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the aqueous compositions comprising hop flavor and aroma constituents are characterized as having high levels of flavor-active components such as hop esters, ketones, and oxides (sesquiterpene oxides, and epoxides) relative to myrcene and sesquiterpenes. In an exemplary embodiment, the characterization is via a sensory panel.

[0061] In various embodiments, the hop essence of the invention comprises from about 4% to about 10% myrcene, e.g., from about 5% to about 9%, e.g., from about 6% to about 8%. An exemplary product of the invention comprises about 7% myrcene.

[0062] In various embodiments, the hop essence of the invention comprises from about 25% to about 60% esters/ketones, e.g., from about 30% to about 60%, e.g., from about 35% to about 50%. An exemplary product of the invention comprises about 42% esters/ketones.

[0063] In various embodiments, the hop essence of the invention comprises a low level of linalool, e.g., from about 0.5% to about 1.5%. An exemplary hop essence of the invention comprises about 0.7% linalool.

[0064] In some embodiments, the hop essence of the invention comprises from about 20% to about 50% sesquiterpene oxides, e.g., from about 25% to about 40%, e.g., from about 30% to about 35%. An exemplary hop essence of the invention comprises about 3% sesquiterpene oxides.

[0065] In exemplary embodiments, the hop essence of the invention comprises from about 10% to about 20% sesquiterpenes. In an exemplary embodiment, a hop essence of the invention comprises about 15% sesquiterpenes.

[0066] In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aqueous compositions comprising hop flavor and aroma constituents are characterized as having a ratio of hop esters and ketones to myrcene of about 4:1 to about 8:1, e.g., about 5:1 to about 7:1. In an exemplary embodiment, the hop essence of the invention is characterized by a ratio of esters/ketones:myrcene of about 6.0.

[0067] In various embodiments, the ratio of sesquiterpene oxides to myrcene is about 2:1 to about 6:1, e.g., about 3:1 to about 5:1. An exemplary product of the invention is characterized by a ratio of these components of about 4.6.

[0068] Table 1 provides a comparison of the relative percent of exemplary components in the hop essence of the invention with various commercially available hop sources and extracts. Data is acquired by GC-MS.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Sesqui- Esters/ Sesqui- terpene Sample Myrcene Linalool Ketones terpenes Oxides Hop Essence 7 0.7 42 15 32 Oil Rich CO.sub.2 33 3 12 43 3 Extract of Hops Hop Pellets 23 2 16 48 4 CO.sub.2 Hop 60 0 22 7 5 Extract Distilled Hop Oil 3 3 8 1 65 Formulation

[0069] Table 2 provides a comparison of the ratios of exemplary Esters/Ketones:Myrcene and of exemplary hop oxides:Myrcene in the hop essence of the invention and in exemplary commercially available sources of hops and hop essences

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Esters/Ketones Oxides to Sample to Myrcene Myrcene Hop Essence 6.0 4.6 Oil Rich CO.sub.2 Extract of Hops 0.4 0.1 Hop Pellets 0.7 0.2 CO.sub.2 Hop Extract 0.4 0.1 Distilled Hop Oil Formulation 2.7 21.7

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, the hop essence of the invention is essentially clear and does not change substantially the appearance to a formulation to which it is added. In various embodiments, the hop essence is in a form other than a paste. In various embodiments, the hop essence is a readily pumpable fluid that can be incorporated into the manufacture of a beverage or other product in which a hop flavor is desirable. In an exemplary embodiment, the hop essence is able to be added to the manufacturing stream without the need for a carrier, e.g., a non-aqueous carrier. In various embodiments, the hop essence of the invention is sufficiently soluble in water that an aqueous solution of the hop essence can be introduced into the manufacturing stream. In an exemplary embodiment, the hop essence can be introduced into the manufacturing stream without the use of organic solvents, e.g., propylene glycol.

[0071] In various embodiments, the hop essence of the invention is determined to be substantially true to type with respect to the hops from which it was derived in a sensory panel.

[0072] In various embodiments of the present invention, the aqueous output from SCC processing of any of the foregoing hop solids inputs is separated and isolated as a steam-stripped condensate, generally referred to as an aqueous essence, and as an aqueous slurry concentrate that is generated from the slurry output via separation of hop solids and optional concentration by partial removal of water in an evaporator.

[0073] In various embodiment of the present invention, a natural or hop-derived agent is added to the aqueous essence to promote product homogeneity.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an aqueous essence output from SCC processing of hop solids is combined with an aqueous concentrate output from SCC processing, in any ratio, to afford aqueous compositions comprising hop flavor and aroma constituents that can be used to impart hop flavor and aroma to beverages at any level.

[0075] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aqueous compositions comprising hop flavor and aroma constituents are added at any point in the brewing process. The resulting beer is characterized as having significantly enhanced hop flavor and aroma.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aqueous compositions comprising hop flavor and aroma constituents are added on the cold side of the brewing process, during or after fermentation. The resulting beer is characterized as having significantly enhanced hop flavor and aroma.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the aqueous compositions comprising hop flavor and aroma constituents are added during the manufacture of ciders, meads, or other fermented beverages, as well as other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages such as seltzers, flavored waters, and teas. The resulting beverage is characterized as having significantly enhanced hop flavor and aroma.

EXAMPLES

[0078] The following examples illustrate the invention without limiting its scope.

Example 1Aqueous Hop Essence from Mosaic T-90 Pellets

[0079] To a feed tank equipped with a mechanical stirring apparatus was added 100 L of water. Mosaic variety T-90 hop pellets (7.5 kg) were subsequently added to the water through a milling device, and the resulting mixture was stirred to afford a 7% (by mass) slurry of Mosaic hop solids. Additional Mosaic T-90 hop pellets were added through the milling apparatus at a rate of 2.3 kg every 5 minutes while water was constantly added at a rate of 370 L per hour, thus producing a continuous 7% slurry ratio of feed material for processing by Spinning Cone Column (SCC) to afford an aqueous essence of Mosaic hops. SCC operating parameters, including temperatures, flow rates, and system pressure were adjusted to produce an aqueous essence composition comprising hop flavor and aroma constituents. The resulting aqueous essence product was characterized by a pronounced hop flavor and aroma that was particularly strong in desirable hop fruity and floral character. The output is classified as true-to-type in that the sensory characteristics of the aqueous essence closely resemble those traditionally associated with the input Mosaic hop variety.

Example 2Aqueous Hop Essence from Mosaic T-45 Pellets

[0080] To a feed tank equipped with a mechanical stirring apparatus was added 100 L of water. Mosaic variety T-45 hop pellets (5.0 kg) were subsequently added to the water through a milling device, and the resulting mixture was stirred to afford a 5% (by mass) slurry of Mosaic hop solids. Additional Mosaic T-45 hop pellets were added through the milling apparatus at a rate of 1.5 kg every 5 minutes while water was constantly added at a rate of 370 L per hour, thus producing a continuous 5% slurry ratio of feed material for processing by Spinning Cone Column (SCC) to afford an aqueous essence of Mosaic hops. SCC operating parameters, including temperatures, flow rates, and system pressure were adjusted to produce an aqueous essence composition comprising hop flavor and aroma constituents. The resulting aqueous essence product was characterized by a pronounced hop flavor and aroma that was particularly strong in desirable hop fruity and floral character. The output is classified as true-to-type in that the sensory characteristics of the aqueous essence closely resemble those traditionally associated with the input Mosaic hop variety.

Example 3Aqueous Hop Essence from Spent Hop Byproduct Solids after Supercritical CO.SUB.2 .Extraction of Mosaic Hop Pellets

[0081] To a feed tank equipped with a mechanical stirring apparatus was added 100 L of water. Mosaic variety spent hop solids after CO.sub.2 extraction (5.0 kg) were subsequently added to the water through a milling device, and the resulting mixture was stirred to afford a 5% (by mass) slurry of Mosaic hop solids. Additional Mosaic variety spent hop solids were added through the milling apparatus at a rate of 1.5 kg every 5 minutes while water was constantly added at a rate of 370 L per hour, thus producing a continuous 5% slurry ratio of feed material for processing by Spinning Cone Column (SCC) to afford an aqueous essence of Mosaic hops. SCC operating parameters, including temperatures, flow rates, and system pressure were adjusted to produce an aqueous essence composition comprising hop flavor and aroma constituents. The resulting aqueous essence product was characterized by a distinct hop flavor and aroma.

Example 4Aqueous Hop Essence from Citra T-90 Pellets

[0082] To a feed tank equipped with a mechanical stirring apparatus was added 220 L of water. Citra variety T-90 hop pellets (18 kg) were subsequently added to the water, and the resulting mixture was stirred to afford an approximately 7.5% (by mass) slurry of Citra hop solids. The slurry of hop solids was processed by Spinning Cone Column (SCC) to afford an aqueous essence of Citra hops. SCC operating parameters, including temperatures, flow rates, and system pressure were adjusted to produce an aqueous essence composition comprising hop flavor and aroma constituents. The resulting aqueous essence product was characterized by a pronounced hop flavor and aroma that was particularly strong in desirable hop citrus character. The output is classified as true-to-type in that the sensory characteristics of the aqueous essence closely resemble those traditionally associated with the input Citra hop variety.

Example 5Aqueous Hop Essence from Hop Byproduct Solids after Production of T-45 Citra Hop Pellets

[0083] To a feed tank equipped with a mechanical stirring apparatus was added 100 L of water. Citra variety hop solids, remaining after production of T-45 hop pellets (5.0 kg), were subsequently added to the water through a milling device, and the resulting mixture was stirred to afford a 5% (by mass) slurry of Citra hop solids. Additional Citra variety spent hop solids were added through the milling apparatus at a rate of 1.5 kg every 5 minutes while water was constantly added at a rate of 370 L per hour, thus producing a continuous 5% slurry ratio of feed material for processing by Spinning Cone Column (SCC) to afford an aqueous essence of Citra hops. SCC operating parameters, including temperatures, flow rates, and system pressure were adjusted to produce an aqueous essence composition comprising hop flavor and aroma constituents. The resulting aqueous essence product was characterized by a distinct hop flavor and aroma.

Example 6Aqueous Hop Essence from T-90 Hop Pellets

[0084] To a feed tank equipped with a mechanical stirring apparatus was added 220 L of water. T-90 hop pellets (18 kg) were subsequently added to the water, and the resulting mixture was stirred to afford an approximately 7.5% (by mass) slurry of hop solids. The slurry of hop solids was processed by Spinning Cone Column (SCC) to afford an aqueous essence of hops. SCC operating parameters, including temperatures, flow rates, and system pressure are adjusted to produce an aqueous essence composition comprising hop flavor and aroma constituents. The resulting aqueous essence product was characterized by a pronounced hop flavor and aroma that is particularly strong in desirable attributes. The output is classified as true-to-type in that the sensory characteristics of the aqueous essence closely resemble those traditionally associated with the input hop variety.

Example 7Blending of Aqueous Hop Essence and Aqueous Hop Concentrate

[0085] To an aqueous essence generated from hop solids via SCC processing is added an aqueous concentrate generated from hop solids via SCC processing to afford an aqueous hop composition comprising hop flavor and aroma constituents. The amount of aqueous concentrate added to the aqueous essence is adjusted from 0% to 100% in order to achieve desired flavor and aroma characteristics.

Example 8Beer with Aqueous Hop Essence Composition from Citra Variety Hop

[0086] A wort was generated from malted barleys at a gravity of 15.7 P to afford a beer with 6.5% ABV (alcohol by volume) at the end of fermentation. A flavor-neutral hop acid product was used during the boiling stage of the brewing process to provide bitterness in the final beer. After whirlpool separation of insoluble species and chilling, the wort was transferred into a fermentation vessel. Fermentation was subsequently initiated by the addition of Wyeast 1056 yeast. When the beer had reached final gravity and fermentation had ceased, a suitable amount (approximately 1% by volume) of the natural aqueous essence from Citra variety hops was added. The resulting beer was characterized by a pronounced hop flavor and aroma that was distinct in the desirable attributes typically associated with Citra hops.

Example 9Alcoholic Seltzer with Aqueous Hop Essence Composition from Citra Variety Hop

[0087] An alcoholic seltzer containing 5% ABV was produced by the fermentation of an aqueous solution of fermentable sugars following standard practice, including the addition of yeast nutrients. After fermentation had ceased, the yeast was removed and the sweetness of the seltzer was adjusted using a standardized amount of aqueous sugar solution. A suitable amount (approximately 1.7% by volume) of the natural aqueous essence from Citra variety hops was subsequently added. The resulting seltzer was characterized by a pronounced hop flavor and aroma that was distinct in the desirable attributes typically associated with Citra hops.

Example 10Aqueous Hop Composition in the Manufacture of Beer or Other Fermented Beverages

[0088] To a finished fermented beverage generated via traditional processes known to those skilled in the art, such as a beer or seltzer, was added a suitable amount of a natural aqueous composition comprising hop flavor and aroma constituents. The resulting beverage was characterized by a pronounced hop flavor and aroma that is distinct in desirable attributes.

Example 11Addition of Aqueous Hop Composition to Other Beverages

[0089] To beverages such as seltzers, teas, and waters produced via standard processes known to those skilled in the art, is added a suitable amount of a natural aqueous composition comprising hop flavor and aroma constituents. If filtering of the beverage is required, the addition of the aqueous essence is performed either before or after final filtration of the beverage via methods known to those skilled in the art. The resulting beverage is characterized by a pronounced hop flavor and aroma that is distinct in desirable attributes.

Example 12Sensory Analysis of Aqueous Hop Compositions and Beer or Other Beverages Manufactured with Same

[0090] The organoleptic properties of aqueous hop essences, aqueous hop concentrates, blends of these aqueous hop fractions, and beer or other beverages generated using aqueous compositions of the present invention are determined using quantitative, qualitative, and difference analysis via sensory methods known to those skilled in the art. An evaluation of the data and results from a trained sensory panel indicates that the use of the inventive aqueous hop compositions impacts the flavor and aroma properties of treated beverages.

[0091] The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

CITED REFERENCES

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