Aerated Malt Fermentation for Low-Ethanol Fruity Aroma

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in producing fermented alcoholic beverages with low ethanol concentration is the decrease in aroma components or the presence of unpleasant odors due to suppressed fermentation, which is often necessary to maintain low ethanol levels.

Innovation Solution

Aerated fermentation using Kluyveromyces marxianus yeast, which has a low ethanol-producing ability but high production of esters and alcohols with 3 or more carbon atoms, is employed to produce a fermented malt liquid with a fruity aroma and low ethanol concentration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If fermentation is suppressed to maintain low ethanol concentration, then ethanol concentration is reduced, but aroma component production decreases and unpleasant odors occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveethanol concentrationVSAvoidunpleasant odors and decreased aroma components
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the fermentation parameters by introducing aerated fermentation conditions and using specific yeast strains (Kluyveromyces marxianus, Pichia kluyveri, or Saccharomycodes ludwigii) to alter the metabolic pathway. This enables low ethanol concentration while maintaining high aroma component production through enhanced ester synthesis under aerobic conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the typically harmful effect of aerobic fermentation (which usually produces unwanted byproducts) into a beneficial process by using specific yeast strains that synthesize esters as their primary product under aerobic conditions. This transforms the aeration process from potentially harmful to highly beneficial for aroma production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Productivity

If conventional yeast is used for fermentation, then ethanol production is efficient, but aroma component diversity and fruity notes are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveethanol production efficiencyVSAvoidaroma component diversity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the yeast strain parameter from conventional Saccharomyces to alternative species (Kluyveromyces marxianus, Pichia kluyveri, or Saccharomycodes ludwigii) that have different metabolic capabilities. This enables production of diverse aroma components including esters, higher alcohols, and ketones while maintaining acceptable ethanol production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite approach by combining multiple yeast strains or using yeast strains with multiple functional capabilities to simultaneously produce ethanol and diverse aroma components. This composite microbial system achieves both productivity and versatility in product composition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method results in a fermented malt liquid with a low ethanol concentration and a strong fruity aroma, suitable for beverages, by promoting the production of esters and alcohols such as ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, and β-phenethyl acetate, while suppressing ethanol production.

Implementation Method 1

aerated fermentation using yeast of Kluyveromyces marxianus species

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFermentation: Fermentation

Implementation Method 2

aerated fermentation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAeration: Aeration

Data Source

PatentEP4170007B1Method for producing fermented malt liquid
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 ASAHI GRP HLDG LTD
  • EP4170007B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4170007B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4170007B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides: a method for producing a fermented malt liquid that has a step for inoculating a Kluyveromyces marxianus yeast into a liquid fermentation material containing a saccharified malt and carrying out aerated fermentation; and a method for producing a fermented malt beverage that uses, as a raw material, the fermented malt liquid obtained by the method for producing a fermented malt liquid. These methods provide a fermented malt liquid having a low ethanol density and a fruity aroma, and a fermented malt beverage obtained from the fermented malt liquid.