This study investigated the fermentation characteristics and quality attributes
of ale beer brewed with MBA grapes to enhance the diversity of Korean domestic
ale beers. The grapes were added to the wort in two forms: must and juice, at
ratios of 10% and 20%. The results showed that while ale beer with
20% grape addition began fermentation a day later, all samples completed
fermentation well on the sixth day. Increasing MBA grape content lowered the pH
and increased total acidity and malic acid content without significantly
affecting the sour taste. Higher grape addition also decreased the beer’s
IBU and bitterness scores in sensory evaluation. The addition of must addition
enhanced redness due to anthocyanins, significantly increasing color intensity
and EBC value of ale beer. Ale beer with the addition of must exhibited higher
antioxidant capacities in total phenolic compound content, DPPH radical
scavenging, and FRAP activities compared to that with the addition of juice.
Sensory evaluation indicated that ale beer with 20% juice addition was
preferred for its color, aroma, sweetness, body, and overall preference. The
addition of MBA must improved antioxidant capacity, but ale beer with 20%
juice had superior sensory qualities.