The greenhouse effect and global warming affect the taste of beer, as ingredients are negatively impacted as temperatures become warmer.
The flavor of beer comes from the plants and yeasts used in the production process, namely barley, hops and yeast that turn sugar into alcohol.
According to food scientists, the alpha acids and essential oils from the hops provide bitterness and flavor. Meanwhile, the alpha acids and essential oils in hops are directly affected by the surrounding environment and gene activity. For example, temperature directly affects enzyme activity, increasing the activity of specific genes, influencing the diversity and abundance of compounds and thereby affecting the taste of drinks.
Beer flavor is affected as the Earth warms because grains and hops are negatively impacted by high temperatures.
In alcoholic beverages, this effect is known as soil and climate change . In addition to hops, other ingredients are also affected by soil and climate, including barley, oats, wheat or rice. Starches, proteins, and lipids become unbalanced in warmer conditions, as plants must adjust to survive by accumulating high levels of protein. High protein content has a negative effect on beer taste but is better for plant life.
Global warming also affects the source of beer production in general, affecting the output and cost of the beverage.
A 2018 study found that future drought and heat stress could cause a 3-17% loss to global barley yields. The models used in the study predict a yield loss of nearly 32% in Argentina and a 193% increase in beer costs in Ireland.
The brewing process is also affected by global warming . Warmer daytime temperatures often affect germinating, as the developing tissues are sensitive. Meanwhile, warmer nighttime temperatures affect young plants the most, as at this stage plants need cooler night temperatures for optimal growth.
Meanwhile, on a global scale, nighttime temperatures rise faster than daytime temperatures. As a result, crops, including barley, experience heat stress that can affect survival.
In the face of increasingly severe challenges related to climate change, brewers and researchers are finding ways to adapt, such as developing pest-resistant hops or drought-resistant barley. Breweries are also focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by using recycled bottles, reducing water and energy consumption, and reducing pesticide use.
The future of beer, however, remains uncertain. The makers tried to create a beer called “The Burned Earth” , made from smoky water and drought-resistant grains, to simulate beer being produced in the high-temperature future, and This beer is rated as poor taste quality. Therefore, the negative effects of climate change on beer production are of concern to consumers and stakeholders.