Tetrahydropyridine

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Introduction

Forms of Tetrahydropyridin (specifically 6-Acetyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridine (ATHP/ACTPY) and 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (ACPY) [1]) are commonly attributed to the mousy, urine (in high amounts) cheerios (in low amounts), or more generically, cracker biscuit flavor in sour beers. The exact cause of this perceived flavor is not definitive. However, Tetrahydropyridin seems to be the most likely cause. Dimethyl Sulfide has also been indicated as a potential cause to this flavor in sour beers, probably due to the similar popcorn flavor that DMS can provide. The flavor tends to age out of sour beers, although the exact mechanism for this is not fully understood [2]. Michael Tonsmeire also noticed that pitching rehydrated wine yeast at bottling reduces the amount/duration of this flavor [3].

In food, Tetrahydropyridin is associated with the aroma of baked goods such as white bread, popcorn, and tortillas, and is formed by Maillard reactions during heating. 2-acetyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridine (ATHP) and 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline have an odor threshold of 0.06ng/l [1].


Production

Editor's note: special thanks to ne0t0ky0 on Homebrewtalk for collecting some of these resources.

Brettanomyces, Lactobacillus, and Pediococcus can produce forms of Tetrahydropyridin. In Brettanomyces, 2-acetyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridine (ATHP/ACTPY) can be metabolized by the amino acid L-Lysine and ethanol with oxygen having a stimulatory effect in it's production, although little else is known about it's production in Brettanomyces [4]. ATHP is further metabolized into 2-ethyltetrahydropyridine (ETHP/ETPY) by Brettanomyces, although not much is known about this process either [5].

Heterofermentative Lactobacillus spp. can also produce ATHP and ETHP from Lysine and ethanol[6][7][8].

Some species of Pediococcus have been associated with the production of ATHP. In particular, these include P. pentosaceus [9][10], and P. clausenii[11].


Thresholds

  • 2-ethyltetrahydropyridine (ETHP/ETPY)
    • Taste threshold (wine): 150 µg/L
    • Concentration reported in wines exhibiting mousy off-flavour: 2.7-18.7 µg/L
  • 2-acetyltetrahydropyridine (/ATHP/ACTPY) -
    • Odor threshold (water): 1.6 µg/L
    • Concentration reported in wines exhibiting mousy off-flavour: 4.8-106 µg/L
  • 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (ACPY)
    • Odor threshold (water): 0.1 µg/L
    • Concentration reported in wines exhibiting mousy off-flavour: Tr-7.8 µg/L [12]

References