If you’ve ever pulled a pint of dry-hopped beer only to be met with an unexpected whiff of cabbage, you’re not alone — and now you’ve got the research to back you up.
Abstrax Hops, the brewing-focused division of botanical research company Abstrax, has published its first white paper for the beer industry, and it takes aim at a stealthy off-flavor: dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS). The paper — Defeating DMTS: How Quantum Extracts Prevent Flavor Defects — outlines how common extraction methods (think CO₂ and steam distillation) can introduce this sulfur-based compound into cold-side advanced hop products (CSAHPs), compromising aroma with meaty or cabbage-like notes.
Hop extract tests
The white paper pits three hop extracts (same varietal) against each other:
- Abstrax Quantum Series extract, produced via low-temp extraction
- Extract A, made via steam distillation
- Extract B, produced via CO₂ extraction
Using GCxGC/SCD (that’s two-dimensional gas chromatography with sulfur chemiluminescence detection) alongside blind sensory paneling, the results were clear: Quantum had the lowest DMTS concentration, while Extract A scored high on off-putting sulfur notes.
“DMTS shows up in a lot of commercial extracts,” said Iain Oswald, PhD, Director of R&D at Abstrax. “Even when it flies under the radar in paperwork, the flavor impact is real. Our goal was to show brewers that these flaws are avoidable — with the right chemistry upstream.”
Quantum Series
The paper builds on Abstrax’s rep for detailed aroma compound analysis, but now brings that same analytical rigor into the hop world. As CBB has previously reported, Abstrax is already making waves with its terpene-powered Skyfarm Series, Delta Hop Profiles, and mood-enhancing AI Terp Effects. Their Quantum Series is designed specifically to avoid flavor degradation, while also offering consistent hop expression regardless of annual crop variation.
“Brewers have long grappled with the subtle but persistent impact of sulfur compounds,” said Tom Nielsen, Director of Brewing and Beverage Innovation at Abstrax. “Our Quantum extracts are built to eliminate that variable and help brewers deliver cleaner, brighter beers.”
The paper includes side-by-side chromatography visuals, sensory notes, and methodology — a welcome level of transparency in a space where “advanced hop product” is often more marketing than science.
Abstrax says this is just the first in a line of brewing-focused white papers that will dig into hop chemistry, off-flavors, and more. If their track record in cannabis and terpenes is any indication, brewers should expect a steady stream of highly technical — but highly practical — research.
You can check out the full white paper at AbstraxHops.com or browse their hop innovation portfolio, including their proprietary Quantum, BrewGas, and Delta Hop Profiles.
