A hero between beers and hopes
Morten Meilgaard does not wear a cape, but it is undoubtedly a hero in the beer universe. Born in Denmark in 1928, this chemical engineer not only fell in love with the golden foam, but also shaped the language we used today to discuss its charms and defects.
Creation of a beer lexicon
Throughout the last five decades, Meilgaard has been the architect behind fundamental tools to establish a national standard of sensory analysis in beers. Its most famous creation, the wheel of aromas and flavors, is the map of the treasure that the tasters follow to navigate the vast ocean of beer notes and nuances.
The wheel that turns taste
In the scenario of the brewery, this wheel acts as an interpreter, facilitating communication between brewers, consumers and critics. Thanks to her, beer makers have the possibility to refine their recipes and resolve the mysteries that may arise in the elaboration process.
Breaking down the beer complexity
Meilgaard, along with other pioneers such as Gail Vance Civille and B. Thomas Caar, embarked on a research journey in the 70s, where more than a thousand characteristics cataloged that an expert beer should be able to identify. Surprisingly, of those thousand nuances, less than half appear in everyday beers, while the rest is reserved for those unique or defective beers.
The aromas in the wheel and what they mean
Outstanding features
The wheel, organized beautifully, presents 44 key descriptors that most recognize. Each descriptor is related to 76 specific characteristics, thus allowing tasks to refine their analysis. For example, the ‘alcoholic’ descriptor (0110) is not only a number, but a container of emotions and sensations that the warmth of alcohol brings.
What about defects?
It is fascinating to know that terms such as ‘metallic’ or ‘cooked vegetables’ not only belong to the scope of aesthetic description, but can also be indicative of errors in the elaboration of beer. Learning to identify these nuances helps brewers to perfect their creations. And if you have ever given a sip to a beer that knows ‘to dirty socks’, you know who to blame.
Become the beer teacher in you
The beauty of the aromas and flavors wheel of Meilgaard is in its potential to educate and enrich the beer experience. It is not only about colliding glasses, but also connecting with the essence of each sip. So the next time you enjoy a beer, look carefully and let your palate guide you through its history, while giving Morten Meilgaard in the distance, knowing that its legacy is still alive in each pint.
The future of beer and its analysis
As we advance in a world where the elaboration of craft beer continues to bloom, the importance of having a standardized vocabulary becomes even more relevant. Let’s spring future beer generations to follow the path drawn by Meilgaard, not only to create, but to enjoy each drop to the fullest.
