Geraniol Flavour Standard

What is Geraniol Flavour?

Geraniol is a naturally occurring compound with a sweet, floral aroma reminiscent of roses. It is commonly found in hops (Humulus lupulus) and hop essential oils, making it a typical flavour in beers. Geraniol contributes a rose-like fragrance and a delicate floral taste, often compared to rose hips and rose water.

In beer, geraniol is considered a desirable flavour, adding complexity and enhancing the sensory profile. Its presence is influenced by brewing processes such as wort boiling, hopping, and fermentation.

What Causes Geraniol Flavour?

The geraniol flavour in beer is primarily derived from hops and their essential oils. The amount of geraniol imparted depends on several factors :

Wort Boiling : The duration and intensity of boiling affect the release of geraniol

Hopping Process : The type and timing of hop additions influence geraniol expression

Fermentation Conditions : Yeast activity and fermentation temperature determine geraniol retention or transformation

In non-alcoholic beverages, geraniol may be introduced through product carryover during bottling changeovers, especially if floral-flavoured products were previously processed on the same equipment.

Using the Geraniol Flavour Standard for Sensory Training

The Geraniol Flavour Standard is a critical tool for sensory training, enabling tasters to recognise and evaluate the potency of geraniol in beverages. By using this standard, professionals can :

– Develop a heightened sensitivity to floral and rose-like flavours
– Improve their ability to identify geraniol in complex flavour profiles
– Enhance their expertise in beer tasting and quality control

This standard is recommended by leading organisations such as the American Society of Brewing Chemists (ASBC) and the European Brewing Chemists (EBC), ensuring its credibility and reliability in professional settings.

What does Geraniol smell like? Sensory Terms

When identifying geraniol, focus on these sensory descriptors :

Rose : A distinct, sweet floral aroma

Floral : A general bouquet-like fragrance

Rose Hips : A subtle, fruity-floral note

Rose Water : A delicate, sweet floral taste

These terms are essential for accurately describing the sensory experience of geraniol in beer and other beverages.

What are the Professional Applications of the Geraniol Flavour Standard?

The geraniol flavour standard has a wide range of applications in the beverage industry, particularly in :

Beer Brewing :

– Training sensory panels to identify floral notes in beer

– Quality control to ensure consistent flavour profiles

– Research and development of hop-forward beer styles

Non-Alcoholic Beverages :

– Detecting and managing flavour carryover during bottling

– Ensuring product consistency in floral-flavoured drinks

Sensory Analysis :

– Enhancing the skills of professional tasters

– Establishing benchmarks for floral flavours in beverages

Education and Training :

– Teaching brewing students and professionals about the impact of geraniol on beer flavour

Other Information

Beer Flavour Wheel Number: 0162

Flavour Level: 0-100 ug/l

Recommended flavour standard / sensory reference standard of: American Society of Brewing Chemists (ASBC) and the European Brewing Chemists (EBC)

A very small number of people can be sensitive to geraniol – if a sensory panellist has an allergy to perfume and fragrances, we recommend that they not taste this flavour standard.