Lightstruck (skunky)
Term from the Brauwerkstatt brewing glossary, category “Faults and hygiene”.
Explanation
When beer is exposed to light, compounds from the hops change and it smells of skunk. Brown bottles protect well, green and clear ones hardly at all, cans completely. So always store beer in the dark.
Test your knowledge
Why is beer often bottled in brown glass?
- Brown glass is cheaper
- Brown glass keeps beer colder
- Brown glass protects against light, which causes a skunky taste
Show answer
Correct: Brown glass protects against light, which causes a skunky taste. Light changes compounds from the hops. Green and clear glass hardly protect at all; cans protect completely.