Researchers have identified two distinct flavor camps among beer drinkers, according to a study presented at the American Chemical Society meeting in Washington, DC. Beer enthusiasts tend to either favor strong flavor chemicals or prefer milder ones.

To investigate these preferences, the researchers, led by Devin Peterson, a food scientist at Ohio State University, recruited around 135 self-identified beer aficionados. Participants tasted 18 different lagers across three sessions, rating them without any prior training, which allowed insights into the general consumer behavior rather than relying solely on trained sommeliers.

The team standardized the tasting process, ensuring that all beers had similar alcohol content and bitterness levels. Participants evaluated various characteristics, including sweetness and aroma intensity. Using mass spectrometry, researchers measured the predominant flavor chemicals in each lager.

The results revealed a significant split among participants based on their flavor preferences. Those who preferred stronger flavors gravitated towards brands like Samuel Adams and Brooklyn, while they rated Budweiser unfavorably. In contrast, the group that favored mellower flavors placed the same brands in the opposite order, demonstrating how two differing tastes can lead to polarized responses to the product.

This research emphasizes the diversity among beer drinkers and could provide valuable insights for brewers aiming to cater to varying consumer preferences.