Study Guide
Exam Focus
- Lightstruck character is most noticeable in aroma.
- Glass packaging is vulnerable when exposed to damaging light.
- Skunky aroma should trigger a service-quality check.
What to know
Lightstruck character is commonly described as skunky and comes from light damage to hop-derived compounds.
How it applies
Keep beer away from sunlight and strong display light; brown glass protects better than green or clear glass, while cans and closed cases provide strong protection.
- Lightstruck character is most noticeable in aroma.
- Glass packaging is vulnerable when exposed to damaging light.
- Skunky aroma should trigger a service-quality check.
Why It Matters
- Skunky aroma can develop quickly in light-exposed hop-containing beer.
- A server who recognizes it can replace the beer and correct the display or service exposure.
Practical Sensory Exercises
Lightstruck Skunky practice drill
Expose one light-sensitive bottled lager to sunlight while keeping an identical control covered, chill both equally, then smell them blind and identify the lightstruck sample.
Key Terms
- Lightstruck
- Skunky aroma created when light damages hop-derived compounds.
- Skunky
- A sulfur-like aroma associated with light damage in beer.
- Package protection
- How well a container shields beer from damaging light.