Have you ever thought about why beer is carbonated? If you’re like most of us, you’ve likely never given it much thought beyond the fact that you know you don’t like flat beer. Here are some things you should know about beverage carbonation.
Carbonation affects:
* Taste
* Mouth Feel
* Presentation
Carbonation in beer occurs naturally. As the beer ferments, the yeast digests the sugar, producing both alcohol and carbon dioxide. The beer absorbs the carbon dioxide, creating the fizz.
Beer also generally undergoes forced carbonation, too. This is when carbon dioxide is forced into the container where the beer is fermenting. Again, the beer absorbs the carbon dioxide, creating a fizz. In general, brewers determine the level of beverage carbonation needed to give their beer the right level of “fizz” for the recipe, ensuring the desired taste, feel and color. They then determine how much carbonation will occur naturally and force carbonate with the remaining amount needed.
To get this equation correct, and ensure a consistent beer with every batch, craft brewers usually use a beverage carbonation system designed to work seamlessly with the complete brewing process.
If you’re moving into the craft brewing industry, you’ve no doubt determined how important perfect carbonation is to your final product, as well as how tricky it can be to get the carbonation process right. The key is in having the right equipment for the job.
Before setting up your brewery, talk to the experts that can provide you with a brewhouse system that takes the guesswork out of your beverage carbonation process. With the right process and the right equipment, you can ensure that every batch of your beer is consistent in every way. Consistent carbonation will no longer prove to be a tricky part of your brewing process.
