LCI stands for Late Check-In, a term commonly used in the beer community to describe the act of checking in a beer on platforms like Untappd after consuming it. It's like a retroactive record of the beer you enjoyed, allowing you to share your thoughts and experiences with others. While it may seem trivial to some, the act of late check-ins can be an important part of the beer-drinking culture, as it allows us to reflect on past beer experiences and engage with the community in a meaningful way.
Now let's move on to “Light Struck,” which is a term used to describe the result of beer being exposed to light and heat. This exposure can cause chemical reactions in the beer, resulting in off-flavors and aromas that are reminiscent of skunk. you read that right, skunk!
The reason beer can become light struck is due to the presence of hops. Hops contain compounds called isohumulones, which are responsible for the bitterness and aroma in beer. However, when these compounds are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as sunlight, they can break down and form a new compound called 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol, or MBT for short. It is this MBT compound that gives beer its skunky smell.
Interestingly, the skunky smell is actually quite similar to the odor produced by a skunk's spray. This is because skunks also use MBT as a defense mechanism, so the association between the two smells is not entirely coincidental.
As a brewer and sommelier, I have encountered my fair share of light-struck beers. One memorable experience was when I attended an outdoor beer festival on a scorching summer day. The sun was beating down on the beer tents, and as I made my way through the different offerings, I couldn't help but notice a common skunky aroma in some of the beers. It was clear that these beers had fallen victim to light strike.
Light-struck beer can also occur in retail environments if the beer is stored improperly. It's important for beer to be stored in a cool, dark place to minimize the risk of light exposure. This is why you often see beer bottles in darker colors, such as brown or green, as they provide better protection against UV light compared to clear or light-colored bottles.
So, how can you tell if a beer has been light struck? Well, aside from the obvious skunky smell, you may also notice that the beer tastes off. It might have a more pronounced bitterness or a harsh, astringent character. The hop flavors and aromas may be muted or completely absent, replaced by that distinctive skunky note.
To prevent light strike, it's best to store your beer in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. If you're at a beer festival or outdoor event, try to seek shade or cover your beer with a towel or other opaque material to protect it from UV light. And if you do come across a light-struck beer, don't be afraid to politely let the establishment or brewery know. It's important for them to be aware of any potential quality issues with their products.
LCI refers to the act of checking in a beer on platforms like Untappd after consuming it. On the other hand, light struck is the result of beer being exposed to light and heat, leading to a skunky smell and off-flavors. By being mindful of how we store and handle our beer, we can help ensure that it remains fresh and free from light strike. Cheers!