Difference between revisions of "Brettanomyces"

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Another method for storing ''Brettanomyces'' long term is in sterilized (autoclaved or pressure cooked) wort or MYPG.  Although not as ideal as freezing with glycerol or slants, this is the most practical way to store ''Brettanomyces'' for brewers without a lab.  Regarding temperature, it has been shown that cold storage for as long as a month is better than room temperature.  However, after one month ''Brettanomyces'' appears to be more viable when stored at room temperature. More data is required before assuming this is the case with all strains of ''Brettanomyces''.  Chad Yakobson noted that after storing ''Brettanomyces'' in a refrigerated environment (we don't know how Chad was storing the ''Brettanomyces'' cultures when he observed this, for example on agar plates or slants or something else.), after 6 months the ''Brettanomyces'' would die.  If ''Brettanomyces'' is stored cold, it will be very sluggish and slow to start fermentation.  Making a starter is highly recommended if the ''Brettanomyces'' culture has been stored cold <ref>[http://youtu.be/AjVOzBtE27Y?t=43m Yakobson, Chad.  Presentation at 2012 Music City Brew Off.  At 43:00.]</ref>.
 
Another method for storing ''Brettanomyces'' long term is in sterilized (autoclaved or pressure cooked) wort or MYPG.  Although not as ideal as freezing with glycerol or slants, this is the most practical way to store ''Brettanomyces'' for brewers without a lab.  Regarding temperature, it has been shown that cold storage for as long as a month is better than room temperature.  However, after one month ''Brettanomyces'' appears to be more viable when stored at room temperature. More data is required before assuming this is the case with all strains of ''Brettanomyces''.  Chad Yakobson noted that after storing ''Brettanomyces'' in a refrigerated environment (we don't know how Chad was storing the ''Brettanomyces'' cultures when he observed this, for example on agar plates or slants or something else.), after 6 months the ''Brettanomyces'' would die.  If ''Brettanomyces'' is stored cold, it will be very sluggish and slow to start fermentation.  Making a starter is highly recommended if the ''Brettanomyces'' culture has been stored cold <ref>[http://youtu.be/AjVOzBtE27Y?t=43m Yakobson, Chad.  Presentation at 2012 Music City Brew Off.  At 43:00.]</ref>.
  
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In order to explore Yakobson's anecdotal observations in a more controlled manner, Mark Trent performed an experiment on storing one strain of ''Brettanomyces'' in wort, MYPG, buffered wort (buffered to prevent a drop in pH), and buffered MYPG, and compared storage of the ''Brettanomyces'' in each of the storage solutions at room temperature versus cold temperatures for 100 days.  This single ''Brettanomyces'' strain survived best in unbuffered MYPG at room temperature, and second best in unbuffered wort at room temperature, and survived less in cold storage conditions for all media.  See [[Brettanomyces Storage Survival Experiment]] for more details.  Therefore, when storing ''Brettanomyces'' for one month or less in wort (or perhaps beer), it should be stored refrigerated.  However, if the ''Brettanomyces'' will be stored for more than one month in wort (or perhaps beer), it should be stored at room temperature (until more data improves our understanding).
+
In order to explore Yakobson's anecdotal observations in a more controlled manner, Mark Trent performed an experiment on storing one strain of ''Brettanomyces'' in wort, MYPG, buffered wort (buffered to prevent a drop in pH), and buffered MYPG, and compared storage of the ''Brettanomyces'' in each of the storage solutions at room temperature versus cold temperatures for 100 days.  This single ''Brettanomyces'' strain survived best in unbuffered MYPG at room temperature, and second best in unbuffered wort at room temperature, and survived less in cold storage conditions for all media.  See the [[Brettanomyces Storage Survival Experiment]] for more details.  Therefore, when storing ''Brettanomyces'' for one month or less in wort (or perhaps beer), it should be stored refrigerated.  However, if the ''Brettanomyces'' will be stored for more than one month in wort (or perhaps beer), it should be stored at room temperature (until more data improves our understanding).
  
 
===Tips From Brewers===
 
===Tips From Brewers===

Revision as of 10:44, 7 July 2016

Brettanomyces
Brett Aroma Wheel by Dr. Linda Bisson and Lucy Joseph at UC Davis

Brettanomyces, also referred to by brewers as "Brett" or "Bretta", is a yeast that was originally thought of as a spoilage yeast. The genus name Dekkera is used interchangeably with Brettanomyces, as it describes the teleomorph or spore forming form of the yeast [1]. Known for it's barnyard, fecal, horsey, metallic or Band-Aid flavors, Brettanomyces was unwelcome in most breweries. However, in some styles like Saison and Lambic these flavors add a layer of complexity to the beer. Brettanomyces can form a pellicle. See Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, Saccharomyces, and Mixed Cultures charts for other commercially available cultures.

Introduction of Characteristics

Brettanomyces was first discovered by Hjelte Claussen in 1903. At the time of discovery, Claussen was aiming to recreate the flavor profile of traditional English ales by fermenting them with pure cultures of Saccharomyces, and either pitching pure cultures of his newly discovered Brettanomyces yeast along with Saccharomyces, or as he preferred, after the primary fermentation of Saccharomyces [2]. Although Claussen saw the character from Brettanomyces as a desirable character in ales and identified its character as a quality of traditional English ales, at some point Brettanomyces became identified as a contaminate in wineries and breweries due to some of the phenols that it sometimes produces. These have generally been described as barnyard, burnt plastic, wet animal, fecal, and horse sweat [3]. The general viewpoint of brewers (other than Lambic and Flanders red/brown brewers in Belgium) and vintners that Brettanomyces is primarily a spoilage organism held for many decades, and still holds in most cases. More recently the positive flavor components that have been identified in Brettanomyces beer such as pineapple, stone fruits, and to some degree acetic acid, have regained popularity with brewers outside of Belgium.

Brettanomyces has been identified on the skins of fruit [3], as well as vectors (insects) [4]. Brettanomyces is not considered to be airborne, however studies have found a very small amount of cells in the air at wineries where wine with Brettanomyces in it was being handled (most of the yeasts found in the air were Aureobasidium and Cryptococcus, which aren't considered spoilage organisms in beer and wine). These set of studies also determined that very specific methodology was needed in order capture Brett from the air, and indicated that the yeast was "stressed". [5]. While it is possible for Brettanomyces to be briefly carried by gusts of air, it only happens in the vicinity where the Brettanomyces beer or wine is being bottled (more so) or is actively fermenting (less so). Good cleaning and sanitation, and cold temperatures should be employed to keep Brettanomyces from infecting other equipment, and flying insects are a more likely cause for cross contamination of Brettanomyces.

It is common in scientific literature to see the names Dekkera and Brettanomyces used as the genus name, with Dekkera being the teleomorph version and Brettanomyces being the anamorph. There are five species within the genus of Brettanomyces: B. anomola, B. bruxellensis, B. custersianus, B. nanus, and B. naardenensis. Of these five species, only B. anomola and B. bruxellensis have been identified to have a teleomorph version. In their teleomorph version they are referred to as Dekkera anomola and Dekkera bruxellensis [3]. All of the other names such as the ones often used by yeast labs are derived by old nomenclature that is no longer used (click here for a table that lists old and new taxonomical nomenclature). The addition of small amounts of O2 stimulates glucose fermentation, as well as H+ acceptors such as acetaldehyde, acetone, pyruvic acid and other carbonyl compounds [6].

Unlike most genres of yeast, Brettanomyces has the characteristics of being very tolerant to high amounts of alcohol, a pH as low as 2 [7], and low nitrogen sources [3]. Perhaps the most differentiating characteristic of Brettanomyces is its preference to ferment glucose in the presence of oxygen, which is the opposite preference in Saccharomyces. This was initially dubbed the "negative Pasteur effect" by Custers, and later the "Custers effect" [6].

Sulfite and SO2 inhibits the growth of Brettanomyces [8]. Some strains of Brettanomyces can metabolize nitrogen sources, such as the amino acids proline and arginine [9].

Brettanomyces Metabolism

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Brettanomyces is able to ferment a wide range of sugars. All strains can ferment glucose, and many strains can ferment sucrose, fructose, and maltose, although at a slower rate than glucose. Some strains can also ferment galactose [4].

Brettanomyces strains may possess both alpha and beta glucosidases. These enzymes allow Brettanomyces strains to break down a broad range of sugars, including longer chain carbohydrate molecules (polysaccharides, dextrins, and cellulose/cellobiose), and to liberate glycosidically bound sugars which are unfermentable to Saccharomyces yeasts. [4][10].

Extracellular and intracellular alpha-glucosidase activity has been shown to break down sugars up to 9 carbons in one strain of B. lambicus, which is partly responsible for the over-attenuation of wort that some strains of Brettanomyces an achieve [6]. Alpha-glucosidases are the enzymes that allow them to break down maltose, turanose, melezitose, and trehalose, as well as dextrins such as maltotetraose and maltopentaose. These dextrins are left over after a normal Saccharomyces fermentation [4]. Some polysaccharides can be fermented by Brettanomyces, including starch, laminarin, and pectin [9].

Beta-glycosidases can break down the beta-glycosidic bond in disaccharides (cellulose, cellobiose, and gentiobiose) [11], as well as glycosides. Glycosides are sugar molecules connected to other organic compounds such as acids, alcohols, and aldehydes which are flavor and aroma inactive due to the sugar molecule attached. By cleaving off the sugar molecule through beta-glucosidase activity, Brettanomyces species can liberate these compounds (called aglycones) into their aroma-active and flavor-active states, or states that may become flavor and aroma active through further modification [12]. Therefore some Brettanomyces strains are believed to be able to produce novel flavors and aromas from hops, fruits, and fruit pits that Saccharomyces yeasts cannot produce. In addition, the liberated aroma and flavor active compounds may be further processed by Brettanomyces through ester production or destruction pathways. See Beta-Glucosidase Activity for more information.

There is a highly genetic diversity between strains of Brettanomyces species, both in a genotypic and phenotypic sense [9]. Not all species are capable of consuming the same types of sugars. For example, B. anomalus (aka claussenii) are generally able to ferment lactose, but B. bruxellensis is generally not. Different strains within the same species may not be able to ferment the same types of sugars [13][14]. For example, some strains are not able to ferment maltose, which is almost half the sugar content of wort [15]. Such strains would not be a good choice for 100% Brettanomyces fermentation.

The ability of a given Brettanomyces strain to ferment different types of sugars might be at least partially linked to its source of isolation. For example, a strain of B. bruxellensis isolated from a soft drink could not ferment the disaccharides maltose, turanose, or the trisaccharide melezitose, whereas all of the other B. bruxellensis strains isolated from beer and wine could ferment these disaccharides/trisaccharide. The beer strains, however, were unable to ferment cellobiose or gentiobiose, as well as arbutin and methyl-glucoside. The wine strains were able to ferment these disaccharides, perhaps because they were adapted to the environment in which they were isolated from (wine barrels). Further studies are needed to see if this is a trend throughout the species [9].

Currently, research into how well Brettanomyces strains ferment the trisaccharide maltotriose has not been explored much by science, however one study found that B. custersianus can ferment maltotriose. Another study found that all 7 strains of B. bruxellensis tested could ferment maltotriose, but not the trisaccharide raffinose. More investigation into this possibility is needed [16][9].

The below table is an example of the variety of sugar types that different strains/species of Brettanomyces banked at the National Collection of Yeast Cultures can ferment under semi-aerobic fermentation and aerobic growth (the semi-aerobic fermentation value is probably more useful for brewers since oxygen availability is limited during fermentation in normal brewing practices):

Species [14] NCYC Num Glucose (Semi-Aerobic/Aerobic) Sucrose (Semi-Aerobic/Aerobic) Maltose (Semi-Aerobic/Aerobic) Cellobiose (Semi-Aerobic/Aerobic) Lactose (Semi-Aerobic/Aerobic) Soluble Starch (Semi-Aerobic/Aerobic) Glycerol* Ethanol* Lactic Acid* Succinic Acid* Citric Acid*
D. anomala NCYC 2 +/+ +/+ +/+ Weak or Latent/+ +/+ -/- - Weak or Latent - - -
B. anomalus NCYC 749 +/+ +/+ -/- +/+ +/+ -/- Weak or Latent Latent - - -
B. anomalus NCYC 615 +/+ Weak or Latent/+ Weak or Latent/+ +/+ +/+ Unknown/Weak or Latent + Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
D. anomala NCYC 449 +/+ -/+ -/- Unknown/+ Weak or Latent/+ Unknown/Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
B. bruxellensis NCYC 2818 +/+ +/+ +/+ -/- -/- -/- - + - - -
D. bruxellensis NCYC 2263 +/Weak or Latent +/Weak or Latent +/Weak or Latent Weak or Latent/Weak or Latent -/- -/Weak or Latent - Weak or Latent Weak or Latent - -
D. bruxellensis NCYC 1559 +/+ Weak or Latent/+ Weak or Latent/- Weak or Latent/+ -/- -/- + + - - -
D. bruxellensis NCYC 823 +/+ +/+ +/+ Unknown/- -/- -/- - - - - Unknown
D. bruxellensis NCYC 395 +/+ +/+ +/+ -/Unknown -/- Unknown/Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
B. bruxellensis NCYC 370 +/+ +/+ Weak or Latent/+ Unknown/- Unknown/- Unknown/Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
B. bruxellensis NCYC 362 +/+ Weak or Latent/+ Weak or Latent/+ Unknown/- -/- Unknown/Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
B. naardenensis NCYC 3450 Weak or Latent/+ -/ Unknown -/- -/+ -/- -/- - Weak or Latent Weak or Latent - -
B. naardenensis NCYC 3015 +/+ -/- -/Weak or Latent -/+ -/- -/+ - + + - -
B. naardenensis NCYC 924 +/+ -/- -/+ Unknown/+ -/- -/Weak or Latent - + Weak or Latent - -
B. naardenensis NCYC 899 Weak or Latent/+ -/- -/Weak or Latent Unknown/Weak or Latent -/- -/- - Weak or Latent Weak or Latent - Unknown
B. naardenensis NCYC 813 Weak or Latent/+ -/- -/+ Unknown/+ -/+ -/- -/Unknown + Weak or Latent + Unknown
* Measured only under aerobic utilization and growth.

Glycosides and Beta-Glucosidase Activity

Glycosides are flavorless compounds often found in plants/fruits that are composed of a molecule (often a flavor active compound) bound to a sugar molecule. The glycosidic bond can be broken, releasing the sugar molecule and the potentially flavor active compound. These bonds can be broken with exposure to acid, as well as specific enzymes (beta-glucosidase) which can be added synthetically or produced naturally by some microorganisms, including some strains of Brettanomyces that have beta-glucosidase enzyme activity (mostly B. anomalus strains) [17]. The release of flavor molecules from glycosides is thought to contribute to the flavor development of aging wines, as well as kriek (cherry) lambic [18]. It is speculated that flavor compounds from hops can also be released from glycosides [19], however at least one study has shown no significant difference in a blind taste test between hopped beer exposed to beta-glucosidase enzyme and hopped beer that was not exposed to the enzyme [20].

See the Glycosides page for more details.

Secondary Metabolites

Secondary metabolites are compounds that are not essential to the life of an organism [21]. Brettanomyces will use a range of secondary metabolites to produce many of the fruity and funky esters, phenols, and acids that this genus of yeast has become known for. Brettanomyces has also been observed anecdotally to produce thin beer when fermented on it's own, and this has at least partially been attributed to the lack of glycerol production by Brettanomyces. The lack of glycerol production has been attributed to a genetic predisposal to prefer pyruvate production over glycerol production during fermentation, and it has been speculated that this gives Brettanomyces an adaptive advantage [22][6].

Ester Production

Brettanomyces is capable of synthesizing several ethyl esters from ethanol and fatty acids. Among the most prolific of these are ethyl acetate, ethyl lactate and phenethyl acetate, along with the hydrolysis (breakdown) of isoamyl acetate. During non-mixed fermentations where lactic acid is minimal to none, insignificant amounts of ethyl lactate ester is produced, whereas ethyl caprylate and ethyl caproate have a general increase. With the addition of lactic acid, ethyl lactate levels are greatly increased although may still not reach the flavor threshold level of 250 mg/L (strain dependent), and ethyl acetate is generally slightly increased. The amounts of esters produced varies widely based on species and strain [23]. A similar but slower evolution of esters has been seen in a long term study on examining how Belgian lambic from Cantillon ages in bottles. The study found that lactic acid (produced by lactic acid bacteria) and ethyl lactate increased as bottles aged, while ethyl decanoate and isoamyl acetate decreased, all presumably from Brettanomyces metabolism over time [24].

Ester production peaks towards the end of growth, and is influenced by temperature, aeration/agitation, and pH. Spaepen and Verachtert found in one study that the optimal temperature for growth and thus ester production was 28°C (77°F), although they did not test higher temperatures. This study also found that continuously shaken samples produced relatively less esters, as well as samples that were not exposed to oxygen at all. The highest ester production was found under conditions of limited oxygen supply, no agitation, held at a temperature of 28°C (77°F), and young cells produced more esters than older cells. It also found that esterase activity (esterase is the enzyme that facilitates ester production and destruction) increases as pH rises until a pH of 7.6 is reached, after which it begins to decline again. It was shown that the ester formation/degradation was indeed caused by enzymatic activity of any Brettanomyces species/strain, and not caused by chemical reactions or from Saccharomyces or Kloeckera activity [25]. Pitching rate of Brettanomyces may have a slight effect on ester production levels, but the differences caused by pitching rate probably do not have a significant impact on sensory character of the beer [26].

Esters are also broken down via a process called hydrolysis. Hydrolysis breaks the esters down using the same esterase enzyme within the Brettanomyces cells that is used to create esters. In general, all acetate based esters, except for phenethyl acetate and methyl acetate, are broken down faster than non-acetate esters by Brettanomyces. In lambic brewing, some time after the primary fermentation finishes, Pediococcus begins to produce lactic acid. The formation of lactic acid by Pediococcus coincides with the appearance and growth of Brettanomyces, which produces more acetic acid. After another 2-3 months, the ester content of the lambic beer changes and reaches an equilibrium. Ethyl acetate and ethyl lactate are greatly increased, while isoamyl acetate is greatly decreased, reaching an equilibrium of these esters. Given a static amount of acetic acid, Brettanomyces reaches equilibrium of ethyl acetate within 24 hours, while ethyl lactate equilibrium takes longer and is much more complex. In lambic, the majority of ester production and breakdown occurs within 1-3 months after lactic acid production by Pediococcus begins, and at a pH of around 3.5 and a temperature of around 15°C or less [25]. Pitching rate of Brettanomyces has an effect on the breakdown of isoamyl acetate with higher pitching rates breaking down this ester at a faster rate [26].

See also:

Ester Precursors Flavor/Odor Threshold Molecular Formula Notes
Ethyl acetate (fruity, pineapple, solventy) Acetic Acid and ethanol 33ppm (odor), 100ppm (flavor) C4H8O2 [27] High flavor threshold; pineapple or pear-like in low amounts and nail polish in high amounts. Increases production with higher temperatures and oxygen.
Ethyl butyrate (pineapple, mango, tropical fruit [28]) Butyric Acid and ethanol 0.4ppm (flavor) [29] C6H12O2 [30] Low levels of production by some species of Brettanomyces; production decreases with higher acidity [31]. Also known as ethyl butanoate [30].
Ethyl caproate (sweet, fruity, pineapple, banana, apple or aniseed) Caproic acid and ethanol [32] 0.2ppm (flavor) [33] C8H16O2 [34] Also known as Ethyl hexanoate, Ethyl butyl acetate, and butylacetate [35]
Ethyl caprylate (Sweet, waxy, fruity and pineapple with creamy, fatty, mushroom and cognac notes [36]) Caprylic acid (contained in buckwheat; produced by yeast autolysis) and ethanol [37] 15ppb (flavor) [38] C10H20O2 [39] Also known as ethyl octanoate [39].
Ethyl Decanoate (brandy, fruity, oily, grape) Capric Acid (Decanoic acid) and ethanol [40] 0.5ppm (flavor in water) [41] C12H24O2 [40] Also known as Ethyl caprate, Ethyl caprinate, and Capric acid ethyl ester [42]
Ethyl isovalerate (fruity, sweet, berry-like with a ripe, pulpy fruit nuance [43]) [44][45] Isovaleric Acid and ethanol 30ppm (flavor) [43] C7H14O2 (same as ethyl valerate) [43] Also found in pineapple, orange juice and peel oil, bilberry, blueberry, strawberry, Swiss cheese, other cheeses, cognac, rum, whiskey, sherry, grape wines, cocoa, passion fruit, mango, and mussels [43]. Also known as Ethyl 3-methylbutanoate [44].
Ethyl lactate (fruity, creamy, rum [46][47]) Lactic Acid and ethanol 0.2 ppm-1.66 ppm (odor) [48] C5H10O3 [49] Increases production with higher amounts of Lactic Acid [50]
Ethyl valerate (Sweet, fruity, acidic, pineapple, apple, green, berry and tropical [51]) [44][45] Valeric Acid (pentanoic acid) and ethanol 1500-5000 ppm (odor) [52] C7H14O2 [51] Valeric acid quantities found in beer are minimal (0-1 ppm) and below odor threshold [53][54], and is probably also the case for Ethyl valerate. Ethyl valerate is also known as ethyl pentanoate [51]. Also found in apples, bananas, guava, stawberry, cheeses, rum, whiskey, cider, sherry, grape wines, cocoa, coffee, honey, and passion fruit [52].
Isoamyl acetate (banana) Acetic Acid and Isoamyl alcohol 1.1ppm (flavor) [55] C7H14O2 [56] Produced by certain Saccharomyces strains but concentrations are generally reduced by Brettanomyces. Brettanomyces produces only very small amounts itself [25]
Phenethyl acetate (sweet, honey, rose flower like) Acetyl-CoA and 2-phenylethanol [57][58] 3-5ppm (odor), 5-10ppm (flavor) [59] C10H12O2 Produced in very small amounts in Lambic [25][60].

Phenol Production

Phenols such as 4-vinylphenol (4VP, barnyard, medicinal) and 4-vinylguaiacol (4-VG, clove) can be produced in beer by the decarboxylation of hydroxycinnamic acids, which are found in malt. While both Saccharomyces (only by "phenolic off flavor positive/POF+" strains) and Brettanomyces strains are have varying capabilities based on strain of converting hydroxycinnamic acids to their vinyl derivatives [61], Brettanomyces is also able to reduce these vinyl derivatives to ethyl derivatives. These vinyl derivatives have similar tastes to the ethyl derivatives but have lower flavor thresholds. Levels of all compounds produced vary depending on species and strain of Brettanomyces. Some data supports that pitching rate does not have an effect on how much phenol content is produced by Brettanomyces[26]. This contradicts the somewhat popular belief that under-pitching Brettanomyces produces more "funky" flavors.

See also:

Phenol Phenol Type Precursors Flavor/Odor Threshold Molecular Structure Notes
4-Vinylphenol [62] [63] (Barnyard, Medicinal, Band-aid, Plastic) Vinyl phenol p-Coumaric Acid 0.2 ppm (flavor; in beer) [64] C8H8O [65] Production level is different across species/strains of Brettanomyces [66].
4-Vinylguaiacol [62][63] (Clove) Vinyl phenol Ferulic Acid 0.3 ppm (flavor; in beer) [67] Also known as 2-methoxy-4-vinyl phenol [68] C9H10O2 [68]. Produced by some strains of S. cerevisiae [69]. Some Brettanomyces species/strains may also be able to produce this compound at varying levels [44][70][66].
4-Vinylcatechol [62][63] (Plastic, Bitter, Smokey) Vinyl phenol Caffeic Acid C8H8O2 [71] Production level is difference across species/strains of Brettanomyces [66].
4-Ethylphenol [62][63] (Barnyard, Spicy, Smoky, Medicinal, Band-Aid [72]) Ethyl phenol 4-vinylphenol 0.3 ppm (odor; in beer) [73] C8H10O [74] Also known as 1-Ethyl-4-hydroxybenzene and P-Ethylphenol [74].
4-Ethylguaiacol [62][63] (Smokey, Spicy, Clove [75]) Ethyl phenol 4-vinylguaiacol 0.13 ppm (odor; in beer) [73] C9H12O2 [76] Also known as 4-Ethyl-2-methoxyphenol [76].
4-Ethylcatechol [62][63] (Band‐aide, Medicinal, Barnyard) Ethyl phenol 4-Vinylcatechol C8H10O2 [77] Also known as 4-ethylbenzene-1,2-diol [77].

Another way to read the table above is to list the order in which the precursors are converted into phenol metabolites:

p-Coumaric Acid (found in malt and other ingredients) converts to 4-Vinylphenol by POF+ strains of Saccharomyces and Brettanomyces, which converts to 4-Ethylphenol by Brettanomyces.
Ferulic Acid (found in malt and other ingredients) converts to 4-Vinylguaiacol by POF+ strains of Saccharomyces and Brettanomyces, which converts to 4-Ethylguaiacol by Brettanomyces.
Caffeic Acid (found in malt and other ingredients) converts to 4-Vinylcatechol by POF+ strains of Saccharomyces and Brettanomyces, which converts to 4-Ethylcatechol by Brettanomyces.

Acid Production

In the presence of oxygen, Brettanomyces strains are capable of producing acetic acid. Depending on the brewer's palate and the degree of acetic production, this can be a desirable or undesirable trait. The degree of acetic acid production varies among different Brettanomyces strains. Acetic acid produced by Brettanomyces may also be used in the synthesis of acetate esters such as ethyl acetate. Brettanomyces has been shown to produce enough fatty acids in anaerobic fermentation to drop the pH to 4.0, which can also be esterified (see the ester table above) [31]. Many of these acids can have an unpleasant rancid odor and/or taste, which may be noticeable in young Brettanomyces beers before these acids are esterified.

Michael Lentz and Chad Harris tested whether or not the hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) inhibit the growth of Brettanomyces. They found that high levels of hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs), which includes ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, and caffeic acid, do inhibit the growth of Brettanomyces. Ferulic acid is the strongest inhibitor of these three HCAs with most strains tested not being able to grow in wort that contained 12 mM (millimolar) of ferulic acid. Caffeic acid was generally shown to be the weakest inhibitor of the three HCAs tested. Levels of 25 mM p-courmaric acid inhibited growth of all strains tested, and levels of 30 mM of caffeic acid inhibited all strains tested. The ability of HCAs to inhibit growth is different from strain to strain of Brettanomyces. Inhibition does not appear to be species dependent. Some strains display a lag time and grow more slowly in the presence of high amounts of HCA's, but still eventually achieve maximum growth compared to if they were grown without exposure to HCAs, while others lag and then stop growing before reaching maximum growth [61].

The amount of HCAs varies widely from plant to plant, and the amount that is found in must or wort also varies on how the raw ingredients are treated. These measurements are generally not a consideration for maltsters or grape growers [61]. The one exception to this is the ferulic acid rest that German brewers have used to create more clove-like flavors in certain beer styles.

Acids Produced Precursors Notes
Acetic Acid (Vinegar, hard boiled egg) Oxygen Increased production with higher levels of oxygen exposure [31].
Isovaleric Acid (Feety, parmesian) [78][79] Leucine Commonly described as a "spoilage" acid produced by Brettanomyces in wine, but also appears in beer.
Caproic acid (Fatty, cheesy, waxy, barnyardy) [31] Fatty acid.
Enanthic acid (Rancid odor) [31] Fatty acid.
Caprylic acid (Rancid-like smell and taste [31] Fatty acid. Also found in milk. Gives a waxy/oily mouthfeel. Flavor is more intense at low pH levels. Also called octanoic acid.[80]
Pelargonic acid (Rancid odor) [31] Fatty acid.
Capric acid (Barnyard animal odor/taste) [31] Fatty acid. Also found in milk, coconut oil, and seed oils [81].
Undecylic acid [31] Fatty acid.
Lauric acid (faint odor of bay oil or soap) [31] Fatty acid.

Other Compounds

Compound Produced Precursors Threshold Notes
Tetrahydropyridine (cheerios, mousy, urine, cracker biscuit) L-Lysine, ethanol, and oxygen Varies See the Tetrahydropyridine page for more details. Classified as a ketone [82].

Commercial Cultures

Pure cultures. In cooperation with Funk Factory.

Bootleg Biology

Common Name Species Name Synonym (Strain) Name Lab/Package Flavor/Aroma Source Note
Unknown Unknown Unknown Funk Weapon #1 BB0034A This rare, and commercially unavailable yeast isolate, produces pungent horse blanket and fresh leather aromas. Perfect for breaking out the funk in farmhouse-style beers. This is the first release in the Dusty Bottoms Collection’s ongoing Funk Weapon Series of unique, rare Brettanomyces and Brett-like wild yeast cultures. West Flanders, Belgium brewery specializing in funky, sour, mixed-fermentation beers.
Unknown Unknown Unknown Funk Weapon #2 BB0035C This rare, and commercially unavailable yeast isolate is perfect for 100% Brettanomyces fermentations, especially Brett IPAs. Amplifies citrus and tropical fruit-forward hop flavors and aromas into a punchy ripeness. Great for maintaining the nuance of hops in beer with greater keeping qualities than a Brewer’s Yeast fermentation. You can’t make every style of beer with one or two strains of brewer’s yeast, so why would you only use only one or two strains for your funky beers? This is the second release in the Dusty Bottoms Collection’s ongoing Funk Weapon Series of unique, rare Brettanomyces and Brett-like wild yeast cultures. Family-owned brewery producing Gueuze in West Flanders, Belgium.

Brewing Science Institute

Common Name Species Name Synonym (Strain) Name Lab/Package Flavor/Aroma Source Note
Bruxellensis Dekkera bruxellensis B. bruxellensis Brettanomyces bruxellensis Medium intensity Brett character. Classic strain used in secondary fermentation for Belgian style beers and lambics. Same as White Labs. Pro-Brewers only.
Claussenii Dekkera anomala B. claussenii Brettanomyces clausenii Low intensity Brett character. Same as White Labs. Pro-Brewers only.
CMY1 Dekkera bruxellensis B. bruxellensis CMY1 bsi Chad Yakobson's mutation of BSI Drie. Pro-Brewers only.
Drie Dekkera bruxellensis B. drei Brettanomyces bruxellensis var. Drei Highly aromatic brett strain. Sourness takes extensive aging to produce Isolate from Drie Fonteinen; Pro-Brewers only. Recommended fermentation levels to get the most character out of Drie include 75-77°F [83].
Lambicus Dekkera bruxellensis B. lambicus Brettanomyces lambicus High intensity Brett character. Know to produce the “horsey” aroma characteristic of Brettanomyces yeast. Classic strain used in secondary fermentation for Belgian style beers and lambics. Same as White Labs. Pro-Brewers only.

East Coast Yeast

Common Name Species Name Synonym (Strain) Name Lab/Package Flavor/Aroma Source Note
Anomala Dekkera anomala B. intermedius ECY-04 strong ester profile with some light funk and acidity beer - Adelaide, Australia
Bruxellensis Dekkera bruxellensis B. bruxellensis ECY-05 funky with barnyard notes accompanied by some fruit isolated from Belgian stout
Custersianus Brettanomyces custersianus B. custersianus ECY-19 light fruit and hay Bantu beer brewery, South Africa
Farmhouse ? B. fantome ECY-03b Fruity and funky profile with some acidity gradually increasing over time. Aeration has more of a muted effect Isolate from Fantome. May not be Brett as per Lance Shaner on MTF.
Naardenensis Brettanomyces naardenensis B. naardenensis ECY-30 strawberry, honey, ripe fruit with a tart, citrusy acidity after 6mo of aging Isolated from Dr. Pepper
Nanus Eeniella nana B. nanus ECY-24 spicy, saison-like profile bottled beer - Kalmar, Sweden

Escarpment Laboratories

Common Name Species Name Synonym (Strain) Name Lab/Package Flavor/Aroma Source Note
Bruxellensis Dekkera bruxellensis B. bruxellensis Brett B A classic Brettanomyces bruxellensis strain, typically used in secondary fermentations. Attenuation: 70-85% // Optimum Temp: 26ºC+ (80F+) // Alcohol tolerance: Medium-high // Flocculation: Low
Claussenii Dekkera anomala B. claussenii Brett C A strain of Brettanomyces clausenii, now understood to be among the Brettanomyces anomala species. Minimal funk, tends to exhibit fruity pineapple or mango notes. Pairs well with fruit and/or hops. Recommended for secondary or co-fermentation as attenuation is variable. Attenuation: Highly Variable // Optimum Temp: 18-25ºC (64.4-77F) // Flocculation: Medium-low
Bruxellensis Dekkera bruxellensis B. bruxellensis Brett D This strain of Brettanomyces bruxellensis is a notoriously vigorous fermentor, suitable for primary fermentation of 100% Brett beers or secondary fermentation where some extra funk is desired. Attenuation: 80+% // Optimum Temp: 20-25ºC (68-77ºF) // Alcohol tolerance: 12%+ // Flocculation: Medium-low
Bruxellensis Dekkera bruxellensis B. bruxellensis Brett Q This strain typically completes primary fermentation within one month, and is also suitable for secondary aging of a wide range of beer styles where subtle Brett character is desired. Tasting notes include ripe strawberry, pear, apple, with underlying funk. Attenuation: 80%+ // Optimum Temp: 20-25ºC // Alcohol tolerance: High // Flocculation: Medium-low Originally isolated from a barrel-aged sour beer from Quebec.

Inland Island Brewing & Consulting

Common Name Species Name Synonym (Strain) Name Lab/Package Flavor/Aroma Source Note
Bruxellensis Dekkera bruxellensis B. bruxellensis INIS-901 Brettanomyces bruxellensis I Isolated from a brewery in Brussels this particular Brettanomyces strain in known for producing aromatics reminiscent of horse, barnyard, sweat, and goat. It is highly attenuative and will take up to 6 months to fully finish fermentation. It is suggested that this strain be used with another primary fermentation strain. 90% + Attenuation. Low Flocculation. 60-75 F Temperature Range. High Alcohol Tolerance. Brewery in Brussels
Bruxellensis Dekkera bruxellensis B. bruxellensis INISBC-902 Brettanomyces bruxellensis II This strain is capable of fermenting a beer without the use of a Sacchromyces c.. This yeast produces a beer with a complex flavor profile, containing both fruity and sour notes. 85%+ Attenuation. Low Flocculation. 70-85 F Temperature Range. Medium-High Alcohol Tolerance.
Bruxellensis Dekkera bruxellensis B. bruxellensis INISBC-903 Brettanomyces bruxellensis III Isolated from a small brewery just outside of Brussels. Produces an aromatic profile that is more mild than INISBC-901 with increased tropical fruitiness. Able to ferment a beer without added Saccharomyces c. Mixed with lactobacillus this strain will create a wonderful sour beer. 90% + Attenuation. Low Flocculation. 60-75 F Temperature Range. High Alcohol Tolerance. Small Brewery just outside of Brussels
NA NA NA INISBC-913 Brett Barrel Yeast III Strain is able to ferment without added help from another Saccharomyces c. strain. Produces mild acidity and tropical fruit notes. Leaves the beer with very little mouthfeel. See recipe recommendations for fermentation additions to boost mouthfeel. 90% + Attenuation. Low Flocculation. 60-75 F Temperature Range. High Alcohol Tolerance. Isolated from a famous american wild ale brewery.
Lambicus Dekkera bruxellensis B. lambicus INISBC-920 Brettanomyces lambicus Originally isolated from spontaneously fermenting beers, this strain will give your beer textbook Brett flavors like horse blanket and spice, but also fruity notes of pineapple. Fermentation will take well over a month to fully attenuate if used as a primary strain. 85%+ Attenuation. Low Flocculation. 70-85 F Temperature Range. Medium-High Alcohol Tolerance.
Claussenii Dekkera anomala B. claussenii INISBC-930 Brettanomyces claussenii Possibly the least “Bretty” of the Brettanomyces strains, Claussenii adds great fruity pineapple aroma without the traditional flavors that turn some off from Brett fermented beers. An excellent choice for adding a little funk to your barrel aged favorite. 85%+ Attenuation. Low Flocculation. 85 F+ Temperature Range. Medium-High Alcohol Tolerance.

GigaYeast

Common Name Species Name Synonym (Strain) Name Lab/Package Flavor/Aroma Source Note
Bruxellensis Dekkera bruxellensis B. bruxellensis Brussels Bruxellensis GB001 Produces classic Brett “Barnyard” characteristics plus some subtle fruity aroma and moderate acidity. Adds a tart complexity to any beer.
Bruxellensis Dekkera bruxellensis B. bruxellensis Tart Cherry Brett GB002 Produces some Brett Barnyard funk plus stone fruit and cherry-like esters. This Strain also produces a moderate amount of acid that adds a tart complexity to the brew.
Bruxellensis Dekkera bruxellensis B. bruxellensis Sweet Flemish Brett GB144 Produces a sweet, slightly fruity profile with just a hint of barnyard and spicy phenolics

Jasper Yeast LLC

Common Name Species Name Synonym (Strain) Name Lab/Package Flavor/Aroma Source Note
Bruxellensis Dekkera bruxellensis B. bruxellensis "Chateaux" JY87 JY87 is a Brettanomyces yeast isolated by jasperyeast LLC. Fast-growing, it has almost Saccharomyces-like doubling times. Shows great fermentation as primary strain in a variety of beers. Ferments fast to 60% attenuation, after which fermentation slows down and more flavor and aroma is produced. Strong pineapple and stonefruit aroma after prolonged fermentations (3-9 months). Great companion to beers that could use some funk, and complements hoppy beers perfectly. Flocculation is low, strain will form a pellicle when oxygen is present. Sequencing of ITS regions indicated Brettanomyces bruxellensis. Micrograph of JY87 cells coming soon. West-Flanders, Belgium.

Omega Yeast Labs

Common Name Species Name Synonym (Strain) Name Lab/Package Flavor/Aroma Source Note
Claussenii Dekkera anomala B. anomala Brettanomyces claussenii OYL-201 Contributes more Brett aroma than flavor. Fruity, pineapple like aroma. Flocculation: low, Attenuation: 70-85%, Temp: >85°F, Alcohol Toelrance: medium-high, compares to WLP645. Pro brewers only.
Bruxellensis Dekkera bruxellensis B. bruxellensis Brettanomyces bruxellensis OYL-202 Medium intensity Brett character. Classic strain used in secondary fermentation for Belgian style beers and lambics. Flocculation: low, Attenuation: 70-85%, Temp: >85°F, Alcohol Tolerance: medium-high, compares to WLP650. Pro brewers only.
Lambicus Dekkera bruxellensis B. lambicus Brettanomyces lambicus OYL-203 This strain has been described as producing horsey, smoky and spicy flavors. As the name suggests, this strain is found most often in Lambic style beers. Flocculation: low, Attenuation: 70-85%, Temp: >85°F, Alcohol Tolerance: medium-high, compares to WLP653. Pro brewers only.

RVA Yeast Labs

Common Name Species Name Synonym (Strain) Name Lab/Package Flavor/Aroma Source Note
Bruxellensis Dekkera bruxellensis B. bruxellensis RVA 502 A medium-intensity Brettanomyces yeast strain. Will add a bit of funk when added during the secondary. Typically used in Belgian-style beers, especially lambic. A famous Trappist brewery produces its unique beer with this yeast during secondary fermentation.
Claussenii Dekkera anomala B. claussenii RVA 501 A low-intensity strain. Contributions from this strain are mostly aromas of pineapple and fruit. This strain prefers higher temperatures (85º F), but will produce nice aroma and subtle flavor at normal ale fermentation termperatures (68-72º F).
Lambicus Dekkera bruxellensis B. lambicus RVA 503 High-intensity “Brett” strain. Very spicey with “smoky” and “horseblanket” flavors and aromas. This strain is used mostly in Lambics and Flanders sour beers.
Unknown Unknown Unknown RVA 804 Produces some amazing aromas of pears, and other fruit esters. We highly recommend this strain for Belgian Dubbels. This strain also makes a very nice cider. A highly flocculating, medium-high attenuating strain adds nice complexity to stouts, and Belgian Ales and Specialty Belgian Ales. Flocculation: Medium, Attenuation: 78-85%, Suggested Temp Range: 65-72°F, Alcohol Tolerance: 14%. This strain originates from local fruit trees.

White Labs

Common Name Species Name Synonym (Strain) Name Lab/Package Flavor/Aroma Source Note
Bruxellensis Dekkera bruxellensis B. bruxellensis WLP650 Barnyard Not the same as WY's Brux. Approx. 500 million cells per mL; homebrew vials are approx. 17.5 billion cells at 35 mL [84].
Bruxellensis Dekkera bruxellensis Brettanomyces bruxellensis Trois Vrai WLP648 Pear The vrai (true, in French) Brettanomyces bruxellensis Trois. The infamous strain used for all-Brettanomyces fermentations, has a robust, complex sour character with aromas of pear. Best used as a primary fermentation strain. May be the same as BSI Drie? Profile is very similar to BSI Drie [85] [86]. Ale of the Riverwards sensory analysis suggests they may be different strains. Approx. 500 million cells per mL; homebrew vials are approx. 17.5 billion cells at 35 mL [84].
Claussenii Dekkera anomala B. claussenii WLP645 Fruity, pineapple. Approx. 500 million cells per mL; homebrew vials are approx. 17.5 billion cells at 35 mL [84].
Lambicus Dekkera bruxellensis B. lambicus WLP653 Horsey, Smoky, Spicy. Different from WY's "lambicus". Approx. 500 million cells per mL; homebrew vials are approx. 17.5 billion cells at 35 mL [84].

Wyeast

Common Name Species Name Synonym (Strain) Name Lab/Package Flavor/Aroma Source Note
Anomalus Dekkera anomala B. anomalus Wyeast bottled stout - Burton on Trent, England. Discontinued. Cell count: 7.5 x 108 cells/mL [87].
Bruxellensis Dekkera bruxellensis B. bruxellensis Wyeast 5112 "sweaty horse blanket" Not the same as WL's Brux. Cell count: 7.5 x 108 cells/mL [87].
Claussennii Dekkera anomala B. claussenii Wyeast 5151 Notes of tropical fruit, pineapple and, to a lesser extent, peach and blueberry round out a classic Brett profile. Produces “horse blanket,” leathery, and smoky character, but at lower level than other Brett strains. Can be used as the primary strain for fermenting, but is often used after a primary fermentation with an S. cerevisiae strain, and in blends to produce sour beers. It is highly attenuative, given proper time to fully ferment out, and is known to create a pellicle during fermentation. Private collection for Spring 2015. Cell count: 7.5 x 108 cells/mL [87].
Lambicus Dekkera bruxellensis B. lambicus Wyeast 5526 Pie-cherry Different from WL's "lambicus". Cell count: 7.5 x 108 cells/mL [87].

Smaller Labs

Mfg Package Taxonomy Notes
BKYeast Brett X1 Suspected Brettanomyces Anomalus
BKYeast Brett C1 Isolate from Cantillon Iris
BKYeast Brett C2 Isolate from Cantillon Iris
BKYeast Brett C3 Isolate from Cantillon Iris
Craft Cultures CCYL410 Razz Brettanomyces™ Michigan indigenous. The Razz Brettanomyces™ is the first in a series of indigenous Michigan bacteria. This bacteria was isolated from a wild razz berry in Michigan's Upper Peninsula along the shore of the Portage Lake near Houghton Michigan. Great for use in secondary fermentation for Belgian style beers and lambics. Commercial pitches only.
DCYeast DCY01
Saccharolicious Brett I Brettanomyces yeast from a Walloon Trappist brewery that gives an earthy aroma to the beer. Recommended for secondary fermentation after primary fermentation with Trappist O.
Saccharolicious Brett II Fruity Brettanomyces yeast strain with an aroma that reminds of French cider. originates from Brasserie à Vapeur in Pipaix, Belgium, and was isolated from a bottle of Cochonne.

Brett Blends (Brett only)

Manufacturer Package Notes
East Coast Yeast ECY34 Dirty Dozen Brett Blend Twelve (12) different isolates of Brettanomyces exhibiting high production of barnyard "funk" and esters. Dryness, ripe fruit, and acidity will be encountered over a period of months and over time (>1 yr), may display gueuze-like qualities in complexity. Contains various isolates from lambic-producers, B. bruxellensis, B. anomala, B. lambicus, and B. naardenensis. For those who want the most from Brett yeast, whether a 100% Brett fermentation is desired or adding to secondary aging projects. Suggested fermentation temperature: 60-74 F. Attenuation high. See this MTF thread for fermentation tips for 100% and mixed fermentations.
GigaYeast Brux Blend (GB156) A blend of Brettanomyces yeast that produces stone fruit esters and a hint of barnyard. Creates a moderate amount of acid that adds a tart complexity to the brew.
Omega Yeast Labs All The Bretts OYL-218 This will be an evolving blend comprised of nearly every Brettanomyces strain in our collection (inaugural release will contain 12 strains). When used in secondary, expect high attenuation and a fruity and funky complexity developing over time. Attenuation: 85+%; Flocculation: low; Temperature: 68F-85F. Homebrew pitch contains ~70 billion cells [88].
The Yeast Bay Beersel Not overly funky but there is a sweaty note hanging behind lemon and citrus fruits, nice blend of subtle funk and citrus/fruit. All strains were identified as B. bruxellensis [89].
The Yeast Bay Brussels Similar to Beersel but with more funk in aroma and less fruit, complex barnyard character. All strains were identified as B. bruxellensis [89].
The Yeast Bay Lochristi Smells of Iris C2, probably the same, subtle blend with some delicate fruit, strawberry. All strains were identified as B. bruxellensis [89].
The Yeast Bay Amalgamation Brett Super Blend 6 Brett blend to create a dry beer with a bright and complex fruit-forward flavor and aroma, accompanied by some funk. All strains were identified as B. bruxellensis [89].

Using Brett

Primary versus Secondary Fermentation

Brettanomyces can be pitched into a beer at many points in the beer's fermentation life cycle. If used as the primary fermenter, the beer that is produced is often fruit forward and not very funky. A large cell count will be needed (somewhere between an ale and lager pitching rate). See the 100% Brettanomyces Fermentation page for more information. If pitched into a beer that has already been fermented by Saccharomyces, a wider range of flavors including the funkier flavors can be produced (see the Brettanomyces Metabolism section above), although Brettanomyces can produce phenols on its own (de novo) without phenolic precursors produced from Saccharomyces. A small cell count of Brettanomyces is plenty for creating these flavors, and normally a starter is not necessary. See the Mixed Fermentation, Funky Mixed Fermentations, and Brettanomyces secondary fermentation experiment pages for more information on using Brettanomyces in secondary.

Starter Information

When pitching just Brettanomyces from a commercial pure or blended culture and no other microbes, it is recommended to make a starter for the culture. If the Brettanomyces is being pitched into secondary, no starter is necessary unless the brewer suspects that the Brettanomyces has lost a lot of viability due to age, heat exposure, etc., or prefers higher cell count pitches (current information suggests that there is no significant flavor difference between high and low pitching rates in secondary pitches of Brettanomyces; see Brettanomyces secondary fermentation experiment).

Two Approaches to Starters

There are generally two approaches to handling Brettanomyces starters. The first is to use a stir plate set to a medium-high RPM with tin foil on top of the flask for 7-8 days, cold crash for a few days, and then decant the beer before pitching the sedimented yeast. The second approach is to use an orbital shaker set to 80 RPM to create a semi-aerobic environment (this means that the oxygen levels are low, but also not non-existent) for 7-8 days as described in The Brettanomyces project [90], cold crashing can be skipped, and the entire starter is pitched into the wort. An alternative to the second approach is to use a stir plate on a very low setting so that only a very small "dimple" of a vortex is formed [91]. If a stir plate is not available, give the starter an initial dosage of pure O2, and then cover it with foil so that oxygen can slowly diffuse into the starter, and gently agitate as often as possible [92].

Oxygen levels are an important factor to consider when deciding which of the above two methods to use for a Brettanomyces starter. Brettanomyces creates acetic acid in the presence of oxygen, potentially leading to higher levels of ethyl acetate, which is considered an off flavor in higher amounts. As the amount of oxygen increases, cell growth increases, but so does acetic acid production. The amount of acetic acid produced is species/strain dependent, so some strains may benefit from more aeration without having the negative effect of creating too much acetic acid. Other strains may need a less aerobic starter (semi-aerobic) in order to produce the highest cell count with minimal acetic acid [93][94][95].

This presents a sort of "catch 22" when growing Brettanomyces in a starter. The brewer must weigh the pros and cons of how much aeration to provide. If the Brettanomyces is going to be used in a 100% Brettanomyces Fermentation, for example, then a stir plate may be the best choice. If the Brettanomyces is instead being pitched in secondary with the intention of long aging, then having a high cell count isn't as necessary and the risk of adding more acetic acid/ethyl acetate to an aging beer is greater. If a lot of acetic acid is produced during the starter, it is advised to cold crash and decant the starter. Brettanomyces can have a difficult time flocculating and settling out, even when cold crashed. The brewer may need to allow a few days for the cells to fully sediment [96]. Additionally, Brettanomyces that is cold crashed may be slower to begin fermentation. If the brewer believes that the amount of acetic acid produced was insignificant, then cold crashing can be skipped and the entire starter can be pitched.

Although more experiments and probably needed, agitation is believed to be an important factor for any species of microbe (yeast and bacteria). Gentle stirring on a stir plate or orbital shaker, or frequent gentle manual agitation leads to faster growth and a higher number of organisms. Agitation keeps the microbes in solution. It also maximizes the microbes' access to nutrients and disperses waste evenly. In a non-agitated starter, the microbes are limited to the diffusion rate of nutrients, leading to a slower and more stressful growth [97].

Maintaining a temperature of 77°-86°F/25°-30°C results in faster growth than lower temperatures and is recommended [98]. Brettanomyces cell growth typically takes about 7-8 days to reach it's maximum growth [99], however some strains may grow at faster rates and finish in 3-4 days [100]. When the starter turns a rich creamy color, it should be done within a few hours after this visual indication occurs [98]. Each step of a starter for Brett should be 7-8 days (or 3-4 days for faster growing strains).

For more information regarding aeration and agitation effects on Brettanomyces growth, see Mark Trent's Brettanomyces Propagation Experiment.

Pitching Rate Calculators

Current yeast pitching calculators for brewers are not adequate for determining Brettanomyces pitching rates based on starter volume size because the maximum cell density of Brettanomyces per mL of wort is 3 to 6 times the cell density of Saccharomyces. For example, a given Saccharomyces strain may reach a cell density of 130 million cells per mL in a 1.040 wort (different Saccharomyces strains can have different cell densities as well, although they are a lot lower than Brettanomyces overall). Different Brettanomyces strain cell densities have been reported to be 600 to 885 million cells per mL in 1.040 wort depending on the species/strain [99][101]. Since yeast calculators are based off of Sacch cell density, using one of these tools for Brettanomyces starters will create an unexpectedly high cell count in reality. There is not currently enough data to accurately determine starter volumes for Brettanomyces, particularly because each strain and species has a different maximum cell density per mL of wort. However, pitching around 500-600 mL of a Brettanomyces starter for 5 gallons of 1.060 SG wort will achieve a pitching rate that is similar to lager yeast pitching rates, which has been recommended for 100% Brettanomyces Fermentation. Omega Yeast Labs is currently working on a project to create a more accurate Brettanomyces pitching rate calculator (it will also contain pitching rate calculations for specific strains of Saccharomyces, which is something that current yeast pitching calculators do not include) [101].

Given this information, many brewers historically have been using the lager pitching rate settings in online yeast pitching calculators for Brettanomyces starters (around 2000 mL, for example). Effectively, this means they have been pitching around 4 to 5 times the amount of Brettanomyces cells that they thought they were pitching. However, if this very high pitching rate is giving good results for brewers, it should continued to be used. Exploration of Brettanomyces pitching rates for 100% Brett fermentations is something to be desired once we know what our pitching rates actually are, and many brewers have been pitching 4-5 times the pitching rate for lagers if they use an online yeast pitching rate calculator instead of counting the cells under a microscope.

MYPG Growth Substrate

For yeast laboratories, "Malt Yeast Peptone Glucose" growth substrate has been shown to be a better substrate than wort for initially growing Brettanomyces from a plate or slant. When grown in wort, Brettanomyces will often go through a 24 hour lag phase, a growth phase, another lag phase, and a second growth phase (all within 7-8 days). When grown in MYPG substrate, there is only a single growth phase and no lag phase, which has been reported by Yakobson to produce a larger cell count in the same amount of time [102]. Cells grown in MYPG also are better adapted to grow in wort [103]. Practical instructions for making this substrate can be found on Jason Rodriguez's blog, "Brew Science - Homebrew Blog". Unfortunately, growing Brettanomyces pitches in MYPG for breweries isn't very practical due to needing almost 4 times the amount of MYPG versus wort to get the same pitching rate. In a brewery or homebrewery, using wort for Brettanomyces starters is more practical [104].

Example of a Home Lab Orbital Shaker

Mark Trent's shaker platform (obtained from a used equipment outlet in Gilroy, CA called "Outback Equipment" ) used to create a semi-aerobic environment for Brettanomyces. Mark built an insulated box for it, and added temperature control. He can propagate up to 7 liters. This is running at 80 RPM as described in The Brettanomyces project [90][105].

Storing Brett

Major yeast labs will often freeze yeast in liquid nitrogen using cryopreservation, however this option is generally not practical for brewers [106]. The next best option for long term storage of Brettanomyces is freezing with 10% glycerol. If glycerol usage is not an option for the brewer, then slants can provide storage for a few months up to 2+ years, depending on the type of slant used (using mineral oil in slants has been shown to extend the life of stored yeast). For instructions on how to make slants at home capable of storing any microbe for potentially 2+ years, see Bryan's video on Sui Generis Brewing (requires a pressure cooker). Agar plates are the least best solution and have been observed anecdotally to reduce viability of Brettanomyces over a few months [107][108].

Another method for storing Brettanomyces long term is in sterilized (autoclaved or pressure cooked) wort or MYPG. Although not as ideal as freezing with glycerol or slants, this is the most practical way to store Brettanomyces for brewers without a lab. Regarding temperature, it has been shown that cold storage for as long as a month is better than room temperature. However, after one month Brettanomyces appears to be more viable when stored at room temperature. More data is required before assuming this is the case with all strains of Brettanomyces. Chad Yakobson noted that after storing Brettanomyces in a refrigerated environment (we don't know how Chad was storing the Brettanomyces cultures when he observed this, for example on agar plates or slants or something else.), after 6 months the Brettanomyces would die. If Brettanomyces is stored cold, it will be very sluggish and slow to start fermentation. Making a starter is highly recommended if the Brettanomyces culture has been stored cold [109].

In order to explore Yakobson's anecdotal observations in a more controlled manner, Mark Trent performed an experiment on storing one strain of Brettanomyces in wort, MYPG, buffered wort (buffered to prevent a drop in pH), and buffered MYPG, and compared storage of the Brettanomyces in each of the storage solutions at room temperature versus cold temperatures for 100 days. This single Brettanomyces strain survived best in unbuffered MYPG at room temperature, and second best in unbuffered wort at room temperature, and survived less in cold storage conditions for all media. See the Brettanomyces Storage Survival Experiment for more details. Therefore, when storing Brettanomyces for one month or less in wort (or perhaps beer), it should be stored refrigerated. However, if the Brettanomyces will be stored for more than one month in wort (or perhaps beer), it should be stored at room temperature (until more data improves our understanding).

Tips From Brewers

The Yeast Bay Lochristi Brett Blend

  • To make a starter for the Lochristi blend, run it semi-aerobic for 4-6 days in the 70's and then let it settle at room temp and decant what you can if the starter is large [110].

See Also

Additional Articles on MTF Wiki

External Resources

References

  1. ↑ Wikipedia. Brettanomyces. Retrieved 2/24/2015.
  2. ↑ "Improvements in and connected with the Manufacture of English Beers or Malt Liquors and in the Production of Pure Yeast Cultures for use therein." Patent application by Hjelte Claussen for Brettanomyces. A.D. 1903.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 The wine and beer yeast Dekkera bruxellensis. Anna Judith Schifferdecker, Sofia Dashko, Olena P. Ishchuk, and Jure Piškur. 7 July 201.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Brettanomyces yeasts — From spoilage organisms to valuable contributors to industrial fermentations. Jan Steensels, Luk Daenen, Philippe Malcorps, Guy Derdelinckx, Hubert Verachtert, Kevin J. Verstrepen. International Journal of Food Microbiology Volume 206, 3 August 2015, Pages 24–38.
  5. ↑ Screening of yeast mycoflora in winery air samples and their risk of wine contamination. E. Ocón, P. Garijo, S. Sanz, C. Olarte, R. López, P. Santamaría, A.R. Gutiérrez. Food Control Volume 34, Issue 2, December 2013, Pages 261–267.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Yakobson, Chad. The Brettanomyces Project. Introduction. Retrieved 8/11/2015.
  7. ↑ Wines and Vines. New Research on Role of Yeast in Winemaking; report on a presentation by David Mills and Lucy Joseph from UC Davis. 11/14/2014. Retrieved 08/16/2015.
  8. ↑ Removal of Brettanomyces Bruxellensis from Red Wine Using Membrane Filtration. Umiker, Descenzo, Lee, and Edwards. 04/24/2012.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 Comparative phenomics and targeted use of genomics reveals variation in carbon and nitrogen assimilation among different Brettanomyces bruxellensis strains. S. Crauwels, A. Van Assche, R. de Jonge, A. R. Borneman, C. Verreth, P. Troels, G. De Samblanx, K. Marchal, Y. Van de Peer, K. A. Willems, K. J. Verstrepen, C. D. Curtin, B. Lievens. 2015
  10. ↑ Insight into the Dekkera anomala YV396 genome. Samuel Aeschlimann. Self published on Eureka Brewing Blog. Spet 2015.
  11. ↑ "Disaccharides." UC Davis Chemwiki. Retrieved 05/15/2016.
  12. ↑ Daenen et al., 2008. Evaluation of the glycoside hydrolase activity of a Brettanomyces strain on glycosides from sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) used in the production of special fruit beers. FEMS Yeast Res. 8, 1103-1114.
  13. ↑ Lance Shaner experiment comparing the growth of various Brettanomyces spp on different growth mediums. 04/07/2016.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 National Collection of Yeast Cultures. Search for Brettanomyces. Retrieved 04/07/2016.
  15. ↑ "Sugar composition of wort". Eureka Brewing Blog. Jan 13, 2015. Retrieved 04/07/2016.
  16. ↑ Determination of sugar metabolism profiles of non-traditional yeasts in the Saccharomyces and Brettanomyces families. J. D. Cook, W. A. DEUTSCHMAN. ASBC Proceeding. 2015.
  17. ↑ "Glycoside." Wikipedia. Retrieved 06/27/2016.
  18. ↑ Evaluation of the glycoside hydrolase activity of a Brettanomyces strain on glycosides from sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) used in the production of special fruit beers. Luk Daenen, Femke Sterckx, Freddy R. Delvaux, Hubert Verachtert & Guy Derdelinckx. 2007.
  19. ↑ Screening and evaluation of the glucoside hydrolase activity in Saccharomyces and Brettanomyces brewing yeasts. L. Daenen, D. Saison, F. Sterckx, F.R. Delvaux, H. Verachtert, G. Derdelinckx. 2007.
  20. ↑ Characterization of the recombinant Brettanomyces anomalus β-glucosidase and its potential for bioflavoring. Yannick Vervoort, Beatriz Herrera-Malaver, Stijn Mertens, Victor Guadalupe Medina, Jorge Duitama, Lotte Michiels, Guy Derdelinckx, Karin Voordeckers, and Kevin J. Verstrepen. 2016.
  21. ↑ Wikipedia. Secondary Metabolite. Retrieved 6/2/2015.
  22. ↑ Independent Evolution of Winner Traits without Whole Genome Duplication in Dekkera Yeasts. Yi-Cheng Guo, Lin Zhang, Shao-Xing Dai, Wen-Xing Li, Jun-Juan Zheng, Gong-Hua Li, Jing-Fei Huang. 2016.
  23. ↑ Yakobson, Chad. Pure Culture Fermentation Characteristics of Brettanomyces Yeast Species and Their Use in the Brewing Industry. Production of Secondary Metabolites. 2011.
  24. ↑ "Thoughts on Spitaels and Van Kerrebroeck et al, 2015." Dave Janssen. Hors Catégorie Blog. 02/20/2016. Retrieved 03/15/2016.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 Spaepen and Verachtert, 1982. Esterase Activity in the Genus Brettanomyces
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 Brettanomyces secondary fermentation experiment. Milk The Funk Wiki. Lance Shaner and Richard Preiss. Retrieved 04/21/2016.
  27. ↑ PubChem. Ethyl Acetate. Retrieved 08/15/2015.
  28. ↑ Ethyl Butyrate Beer Flavour Standard. FlavorActIV. Retrieved 6/20/2015.
  29. ↑ Flavoractiv. Ethyl butyrate. Retrieved 1/18/2015.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 PubChem. Ethyl Butyrate. Retrieved 08/15/2015.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 31.3 31.4 31.5 31.6 31.7 31.8 31.9 Yakobson, Chad. Pure Culture Fermentation Characteristics of Brettanomyces Yeast Species and Their Use in the Brewing Industry. Pure Culture Fermentation Discussion. 2011.
  32. ↑ Encyclopedia of Food Microbiology. Batt, Carl A. Academic Press. Sep 28, 1999. Pg 320.
  33. ↑ Aroxa. ethyl hexanoate. Retrieved 1/18/2015.
  34. ↑ PubChem. Ethyl Caproate. Retrieved 08/15/2015.
  35. ↑ Chemspider. Ethylhexanoat. Retrieved 1/18/2015.
  36. ↑ Ethyl Octanoate. The Good Scents Company. Retrieved 5/28/2015.
  37. ↑ Chop & Brew - Episode 37: Influence of Mashing on Sour Beer Production by Michael Tonsmeire. NHC 2014 Presentation. At 26 minutes. Retrieved 5/28/2015.
  38. ↑ Esters Detection Tresholds & Molecular Structures. Leffingwell & Associates. Retrieved 5/28/2015.
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 PubChem. Ethyl Caprylate. Retrieved 08/15/2015.
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 Wikipedia. Ethyl Decanoate. Retrieved 1/18/2015.
  41. ↑ Flavours and Fragrances: Chemistry, Bioprocessing and Sustainability. Ralf Günter Berger. Springer Science & Business Media, Mar 6, 2007. Pg 222.
  42. ↑ Spedding, Gary. Flavor notes for Michigan Craft Guild Conference. 2014.
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 43.2 43.3 Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Fifth Edition. George A. Burdock. CRC Press, Dec 3, 2004. Pg 587.
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 44.2 44.3 Supplemental Data for: Joseph, C.M.L., E.A. Albino, S.E. Ebeler, and L.F. Bisson. Brettanomyces bruxellensis aroma-active compounds determined by SPME GC-MS olfactory analysis. 2015.
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 Impact of Brettanomyces on Wine. Presentation by Lucy Joseph of UC Davis. Retrieved 08/15/2015.
  46. ↑ Best Aroma website. Ethyl Lactate. Retrieved 08/15/2015.
  47. ↑ Dictionary of Flavors. Dolf De Rovira. John Wiley & Sons, Feb 28, 2008. Pg 384.
  48. ↑ Haz-Map, Ethyl Lactate odor threshold.
  49. ↑ PubChem. Ethyl Lactate. Retrieved 08/15/2015.
  50. ↑ Yakobson, Chad. The Brettanomyces Project. Impact of the Initial Concentration of Lactic Acid on Pure Culture Fermentation. Retrieved 6/16/2015.
  51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 51.2 The Good Scents Company. Ethyl Valerate article. Retrieved 08/15/2015. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "goodscents_ethylvalerate" defined multiple times with different content
  52. ↑ 52.0 52.1 Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Fifth Edition. George A. Burdock. CRC Press, Dec 3, 2004. Pg 638.
  53. ↑ Organoleptic Threshold Values of Some Organic Acids in Beer. Sigmund Engan. 1973.
  54. ↑ Aroma of Beer, Wine and Distilled Alcoholic Beverages. L. Nykänen, H. Suomalainen. Springer Science & Business Media, May 31, 1983.
  55. ↑ Aroxa. Isaoamyl acetate. Retrieved 1/18/2015.
  56. ↑ PubChem. Isoamyl Acetate. Retrieved 08/25/2015.
  57. ↑ PubChem. Phenethyl Acetate. Retrieved 08/15/2015.
  58. ↑ YMDB. Phenethyl acetate.
  59. ↑ Burdock, George A. Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Fifth Edition. CRC Press. 2005. pg 1521.
  60. ↑ Characterization of aroma and flavor compounds present in lambic (gueuze) beer. Katherine A Thompson Witrick. 2012.
  61. ↑ 61.0 61.1 61.2 Analysis of Growth Inhibition and Metabolism of Hydroxycinnamic Acids by Brewing and Spoilage Strains of Brettanomyces Yeast. Michael Lentz and Chad Harris. 2015.
  62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 62.2 62.3 62.4 62.5 Doss, Greg. Brettanomyces: Flavors and performance of single and multiple strain fermentations with respect to time. Presentation at 2008 NHC. pg 12.
  63. ↑ 63.0 63.1 63.2 63.3 63.4 63.5 Yakobson, Chad. Brettanomyces in Brewing the horse the goat and the barnyard. 1/14/2011
  64. ↑ Determination of 4-vinylgaiacol and 4-vinylphenol in top-fermented wheat beers by isocratic high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detector. Mingguang Zhu; Yunqian Cui. Dec 2013.
  65. ↑ The Good Scents Company. 4-Vinylphenol. Retrieved 08/18/2015.
  66. ↑ 66.0 66.1 66.2 Molecular identification of Brettanomyces bruxellensis strains isolated from red wines and volatile phenol production. A. Oelofse, A. Lonvaud-Funel, M. du Toit. 2009.
  67. ↑ Aroxa Website. 4-Vinylguaiacol. Retrieved 08/19/2015.
  68. ↑ 68.0 68.1 The Good Scents Company. 2-methoxy-4-vinyl phenol. Retrieved 08/18/2015.
  69. ↑ Ferulic Acid Release and 4-Vinylguaiacol Formation during Brewing and Fermentation:  Indications for Feruloyl Esterase Activity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Stefan Coghe, Koen Benoot, Filip Delvaux, Bart Vanderhaegen, and Freddy R. Delvaux. 2004.
  70. ↑ The biotransformation of simple phenolic compounds by Brettanomyces anomalus. Duncan A.N. Edlin1, Arjan Narbad, J. Richard Dickinson1 andDavid Lloyd. 2006.
  71. ↑ PubChem. 3-Vinylcatechol. Retrieved 08/18/2015.
  72. ↑ Aroxa Website. 4-Ethyl Phenol. Retrieved 08/19/2015.
  73. ↑ 73.0 73.1 Volatile Compounds in Foods and Beverages. Henk Maarse. CRC Press, Mar 29, 1991. Pg 514, 515.
  74. ↑ 74.0 74.1 PubChem Website. 4-Ethylphenol. Retrieved 08/19/2015.
  75. ↑ Aroxa Website. 4-Ethyl guaiacol. Retrieved 08/19/2015.
  76. ↑ 76.0 76.1 PubChem Website. 4-Ethyl-2-methoxyphenol. Retrieved 08/19/2015.
  77. ↑ 77.0 77.1 PubChem Website. 4-Ethylcatechol. Retrieved 08/19/2015.
  78. ↑ Botha, Janita J. Sensory, chemical and consumer analysis of Brettanomyces spoilage in South African wines. March 2010. Pg 2, 13, 17, 18
  79. ↑ Oelofse, Adriaan. Investigating the role of Brettanomyces and Dekkera during winemaking. December 2008.
  80. ↑ FlavorActV. Caprylic Acid. Retrieved 2/10/2015.
  81. ↑ "Decanoic acid". Wikipedia.
  82. ↑ Humbard, Matt. Milk The Funk Discussion. 3/10/2015.
  83. ↑ Conversation with Mark Horsley and Ed Coffey on MTF. 02/11/2016.
  84. ↑ 84.0 84.1 84.2 84.3 Homebrewing Reddit post. 02/26/2016.
  85. ↑ Ryan Steagall's conversation with White Labs on Facebook. April 10, 2015.
  86. ↑ White Labs 644 Explanation. 04/09/2015. Retrieved 5/2/2015.
  87. ↑ 87.0 87.1 87.2 87.3 Wyeast Specifications 2015 Retail Products. 2015.
  88. ↑ Conversation with Lance Shaner on MTF regarding Omega cell counts. 10/09/2015.
  89. ↑ 89.0 89.1 89.2 89.3 Conversation with Nick Impellitteri regarding taxonomy of the TYB Brett blends. 11/13/2015.
  90. ↑ 90.0 90.1 Yakobson, Chad. The Brettanomyces Project. Propagation and Batch Culture Methods. Retrieved 2/18/2015.
  91. ↑ Conversation with Mark Trent, Richard Preiss, and Roy Ventullo on MTF regarding creating a semi-aerobic starter without an orbital shaker. 11/06/2015
  92. ↑ Conversation with Nick Impellitteri on MTF in regards to semi-aerobic starters. 2/16/2015.
  93. ↑ Brettanomyces bruxellensis: effect of oxygen on growth and acetic acid production. Aguilar Uscanga, Délia1, and Strehaiano. 2003.
  94. ↑ Role of oxygen on acetic acid production by Brettanomyces/Dekkera in winemaking. Maurizio Ciani and Luisa Ferraro. April 1999.
  95. ↑ Acetic acid production by Dekkera/Brettanomyces yeasts. S.N. Feer. April 2002.
  96. ↑ Conversation with Richard Preiss of Escarpment Yeast Labs on MTF. 6/26/2015.
  97. ↑ Conversation with Bryan of Sui Generis Blog about starters and agitation. 11/09/2015.
  98. ↑ 98.0 98.1 Conversation with Mark Trent and Richard Preiss on optimal temperatures for Brett starters on MTF. 06/21/2016.
  99. ↑ 99.0 99.1 Yakobson, Chad. The Brettanomyces Project. Propagation and Batch Culture Results. Retrieved 2/17/2015
  100. ↑ Brettanomyces_Propagation_Experiment
  101. ↑ 101.0 101.1 Conversation with Mark Trent and Lance Shaner on MTF regarding Brett pitching rates. 07-21-2015.
  102. ↑ Yakobson, Chad. The Brettanomyces Project. MYPG Compared to Wort as a Growth Substrate. Retrieved 2/18/2015.
  103. ↑ Yakobson, Chad. The Brettanomyces Project. Propagation and Batch Culture Discussion. Paragraph 5. Retrieved 2/18/2015.
  104. ↑ Conversation with Mark Trent, Lance Shaner, and Richard Preiss on MTF. 09/18/2015.
  105. ↑ Discussion with Mark Trent on Milk The Funk. 4/2/2015.
  106. ↑ Brewing: New Technologies. Charlie Bamforth. 2006. Pg 170.
  107. ↑ Conversation with Matt Humbard, Ritchie Preiss, and Jeff Melo on MTF. 6/4/2015.
  108. ↑ Conversation with Nick Impellitteri on MTF regarding storing Brett on agar plates. 7/24/2015.
  109. ↑ Yakobson, Chad. Presentation at 2012 Music City Brew Off. At 43:00.
  110. ↑ Nick Impellitteri of The Yeast Bay on a MTF thread. Feb 17, 2015.
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