Beer has a distinct colour that beer enthusiasts know and love. The colour of this drink plays a role in the flavor and overall quality of the beverage, as well. That is why it's crucial to monitor beer's colour to ensure optimal results and maintain consistency throughout production. As a beer manufacturer, you no doubt want the most accurate way to analyze the colour and, essentially, the quality of your products. Keep reading to learn more about the best way to measure the colour of beer.
The colour of beer is a clear indication of the drink's flavor and quality. As with any food or beverage, the beer's colour significantly affects a consumer's opinion of the product. The beverage must meet the recommended colour standards for that particular type of beer. For example, if a consumer wants a stout, which is one of the darker beers, and receives a pale orange beer instead, they will be concerned about the quality.
It's important for brewers to measure the colour of each batch to ensure the beer matches the correct number on the Standard Reference Method (SRM) scale. If the beer does not meet industry colour standards, there may be something wrong with the overall quality. Additionally, measuring the colour of your beer helps you maintain product consistency, especially if you produce large batches.
Many brewers can tell their beer is not the right colour by simply looking at it, but this task becomes more complicated when there are large volumes of beer to inspect. Also, in general, analyzing the colour of beer visually can be misleading and subjective. Various factors, such as the amount of lighting, eye fatigue, and colour blindness, affect the way humans perceive colour.
The SRM scale provides a controlled reference point for beer brewers to ensure their beverage meets industry standards. The best way to compare your beer to the numbers on the SRM scale is to measure the beverage's colour with a spectrophotometer. These advanced devices quickly analyze the way beer transmits and reflects light. Spectrophotometers also measure the haze of beer to determine whether the beverage is too transparent or opaque.
Reach out to HunterLab with all your questions and our professionals will provide additional information on our colour-measuring solutions for beer.
HunterLab goes beyond color, delivering precise, science-backed solutions that help industries achieve superior quality and appearance control. As a global leader in spectrophotometry, we empower businesses to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and enhance product consistency—directly impacting the bottom line. By combining innovation, real-world expertise, and sustainable measurement solutions, we help manufacturers optimize production, minimize material loss, and meet the highest industry standards. Follow us on LinkedIn