Beer Photodegradation in Commercial Bottles: Simultaneous Evaluation by Consumer Sensory Panels and Optical Detection

The impact of light on beer degradation is a well-established phenomenon, leading to development of undesirable flavours or, in severe cases, complete spoilage. This study investigates the extent to which photodegradation is perceptible to beer consumers. Beer samples in commercial bottles were subjected to controlled light exposure to induce defined levels of degradation. The degree of light damage was monitored using both an optical method of tracking changes in absorbance and riboflavin content via HPLC and a sensory evaluation by a lay consumer sensory panel. The findings from the sensory panel were statistically compared with the optical measurement results, highlighting correlations between the sensory perception and quantifiable optical changes.