Beer is produced through fermentationâa biological process whose details are greatly affected by chemistry. In todayâs show weâll explain how alpha acids in hops (pictured) affect the bitterness of beer and what pH has to do with flavor. In the final segment of the show, producer Joel Rose visits Dogfish Head Brewery in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, for a taste of an ancient brew. Element of the Week: Calcium.
Distillations is produced by the Chemical Heritage Foundation. For more information, visit distillations dot chemheritage dot org.