Climate Change May Negatively Impact the Taste and Quality of Beer, Study Shows

Beer, the world’s third most widely consumed beverage, may start tasting differently in connection to climate change, a recent study shows. (Photo: Engin Akyurt/Pexels)

Beer aficionados might soon face a significant predicament as researchers report that climate change could impact the production and quality of hops, an essential ingredient behind the beloved beverage’s distinct flavor. The looming threat stems from an anticipated sharp decline in hop yields over the next few decades, according to a study published in Nature Communications on Tuesday.

The study also sheds light on the global brewing sector’s notable upswing in the demand for high-quality late-summer hops. This surge is said to be a direct result of the ever-expanding brewery industry, where discerning consumers seek unique flavors and aromas in their beer.

Scientists from the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Cambridge University examined hop production data from 1971 to 2018, covering prominent European hop-growing regions, including Slovenia, Czechia and Germany. The findings starkly reveal a discernible drop in the average annual hop yield since 1995, varying across regions.

According to the data, European hop harvests could plummet by a substantial 19% by 2050, indicating a grim future for one of beer’s key components. These ominous projections are exacerbated by the looming scarcity of alpha acids, the primary compounds that impart the characteristic bitterness to beer and define its flavor profile. This decline is attributed to a shift in the onset of the hop growing season, which has extended by 13 days from 1970 to 2018, the study reveals. This alteration in the hops’ lifecycle was linked to the changing climate, with more frequent droughts and heatwaves negatively impacting hop yields and alpha acid content in EU hop-growing areas.

Peering into the future, simulations of forthcoming crops and climate conditions paint a disheartening picture. A potential 35% decline in hop yields by 2050 is on the horizon, with major European hop producers like Spain, Portugal and Slovenia facing the brunt of this decline, potentially leading to higher costs for beer lovers and altering the qualities of popular beer styles.

“This study demonstrates a climate-induced decline in the quality and quantity of traditional aroma hops across Europe and calls for urgent adaptation measures to stabilize international market chains,” the study explained.

Turning to positive improvements, Earth.com reported that the brewing industry is actively engaged in research and development, striving to breed hop varieties resilient to the changing climate, both in the United States and Europe. Additionally, substantial investments are being made to explore drought-resistant barley strains, collectively underscoring the brewing community’s determination to mitigate climate change’s impact on beer production, per the article.

“Failure to adapt will jeopardise the profitability of hop growing in some areas,” added Martin Mozny, co-author of the paper and research scientist at CAS, according to BBC. “The consequence will be lower production and a higher price for brewers.”

While the brewing industry grapples with an uphill battle, collective efforts and research initiatives are shaping a more sustainable and resilient future, assuring that the world’s third-most widely consumed beverage continues to be enjoyed.

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