Analysis of terpenoid biotransformation in beer by commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast using headspace SPME-GC/MS

Terpenoids are a class of compounds found in hops that are responsible for the distinctive hop aromas in beer. Changes in terpenoid composition during fermentation as a result of yeast biotransformation influences beer aroma, but the pathways involved in these reactions are yet to be fully understood. In this study, eleven terpenoid standards (geraniol, nerol, citronellol, citral, α-terpineol, citronellyl acetate, caryophyllene, linalool, limonene, β-pinene and myrcene) were individually added to a model beer system fermented with commercially available S. cerevisiae yeast (SafAle US-05). Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured before and after fermentation with headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS). Upon adding a single terpenoid standard to the model beer system, multiple terpenoid products were detected in the resulting beer at the end of fermentation. For example, when geraniol (10 ppm) was added, geraniol, dihydrolinalool, dihydrocitronellyl acetate, citronellyl acetate and citronellol were detected at the end of fermentation. This research illustrates the importance of studying individual terpenoids as it provides valuable insights into the complex chemistry of beer. This information can aid in the optimisation of brewing to enhance the production of flavour and aroma in beer that is desired by consumers.