Abstract
The precursor of dimethyl trisulphide (DMTS) in hops is destroyed by sulphur dioxide during kilning, but then re-forms slowly during storage. A redox mechanism is suggested and S-methyl-cysteine sulphoxide is postulated as the DMTS-precursor. The effect of DMTS on beer flavour is described. The flavour threshold value for DMTS in a commercial beer has been found to be 0·10μg/litre.