Beer-based beverages can be divided into three general groups:
beer-based beverages containing 50 % beer and 50 % of some type of soft drink (“classic” beer-based beverages with an alcohol content of approximately 2.5 % by vol.)
aromatized beers, i.e., beers with a standard alcohol content (approx. 5 % by vol.) with added aromas and/or fruit components
non-alcoholic, beer-based beverages
Each of these separate groups has its own special requirements regarding the specific attributes to be evaluated. Based on the group being evaluated, the structure of the test should reflect the number of samples and the general planning of the tasting session. Among other things, the alcohol content of the samples must be taken into account.
The method describes the procedure for conducting a taste test according to the DLG tasting scheme for beer-based beverages.
Beer-based beverages
The form for the sensory analysis of beer-based beverages as part of the DLG Quality Assessment for Beer is provided for evaluating the following criteria:
Aroma:
Products are considered to be flawless if they possess pure, clean, typically fruity aromas. If a product is overly aromatized and/or oxidized or stale, points should be subtracted from its score.
Purity of Flavor:
A pure, clean, aromatic flavor is also desirable here, and if coupled with a well-balanced sugar to acid ratio, a perfect score is given. If a product is overly aromatized, exhibits off-flavors or is out of balance, i.e. if one of the relevant building blocks (sweet, sour, bitter) central to the flavor of a beer-based beverage is too pronounced, then this defect should be recorded on the form.
Liveliness:
The liveliness is assessed according to the five-point scale, the upper and lower limits of which are designated as “very lively” (5) to “very flat” (1).
Harmony:
The overall impression is evaluated under “harmony”.