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The Importance of Measuring Dissolved Oxygen in Beer

The Importance of Measuring Dissolved Oxygen in Beer

The Importance of Measuring Dissolved Oxygen in Beer Production at Carbon 6 Craft Brewery

At Carbon 6 Brewery, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, flavorful beers that stay true to their intended character from our brew house to your glass. One of the key factors in maintaining that quality is our vigilant control of dissolved oxygen (DO) levels throughout the brewing process. While oxygen is essential in the early stages of fermentation, excess oxygen exposure post-fermentation can wreak havoc on a beer’s stability, freshness, and overall flavor.

Why Does Dissolved Oxygen Matter?

Dissolved oxygen is a critical parameter in brewing because it directly impacts the shelf life and taste of beer. Even trace amounts of oxygen introduced after fermentation can lead to oxidation, causing off-flavors such as wet cardboard, stale bread, or sherry-like notes. For craft beer enthusiasts who appreciate fresh, hop-forward IPAs or delicate, malt-driven lagers, oxidation can significantly diminish the intended sensory experience.

Where Does Oxygen Enter the Beer?

Despite the best efforts to keep oxygen out, it can be introduced at multiple points:

  • Transfer and Packaging: Oxygen can sneak in during the movement of beer from fermenter to brite tank or packaging lines.
  • Kegging and Canning: Improper purging of kegs and cans can result in unwanted DO levels.
  • Filtration and Dry Hopping: Some production steps can inadvertently introduce oxygen if not carefully managed.

How We Control Dissolved Oxygen at Carbon 6

To ensure our beers maintain their peak quality, we employ rigorous oxygen control measures, including:

  • Purging Tanks and Lines: Before beer transfer, we purge all vessels and lines with COâ‚‚ to minimize oxygen exposure.
  • Low-Oxygen Packaging Techniques: Our canning processes are designed to reduce DO pickup, using COâ‚‚ to purge each can before filling.
  • Routine DO Monitoring with the CBOX DO meter: We recently invested in the CBOX meter from Anton Paar, a state-of-the-art instrument that allows us to measure DO levels with extreme precision. This advanced tool enables real-time monitoring, ensuring that our beers remain fresh and oxygen levels stay within the lowest possible limits.

The Impact on Beer Quality

By maintaining ultra-low dissolved oxygen levels with the help of our CBOX meter, we ensure that every sip of Carbon 6 beer is as fresh as the brewer intended. Our commitment to tight oxygen control translates to longer shelf life, brighter hop aromas, and a consistently enjoyable drinking experience for our craft beer community.

So next time you crack open a can of Carbon 6, know that behind the scenes, we’re working hard to deliver a beer that’s not just great—but as fresh and flavorful as possible. Cheers to science, craft, and great beer!

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