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"Hendrixcat":3hvq5yvx wrote: I read that too but it's not quite the same. The catty/sweaty smell is more a Di-methyl-sulphide issue I think.[/quote:3hvq5yvx]

DMS?

I though it came though as a cooked corn aroma

Sorry, got caught in the cross edit. I just added something to my last post to clarify things. It might not be DMS at all but I've noticed the 'catty' smell in some lagers where DMS is part of the character so drew a few conclusions. I don't think I've ever smelled the cook corn aroma except in beer that uses large amounts of maize.

"Hendrixcat":g3vvnbg6 wrote: Is it just me or is pretty much every bottle of ale stored in clear glass and purchased in an off license light struck and nasty tasting? My first recollection of this was buying Abbott ale years ago and thinking the smell and flavour was related to the hops, Fuggles in particular because Abbott ale boasts aboout its use of Fuggles. But since then I have found that all ales in a clear bottle smell and taste essentially the same. Last weekend I bought some Marstons IPA and Double Drop Ale, both in clear glass and both undrinkable. I also find this with pretty much all Shepheard's Neame beer and some of the Wychwood brews too. What's the bloody point of putting their beer in a clear bottle? Are they counting on the retailers to keep the bottles in the dark?[/quote:g3vvnbg6]
It is a marketing thing. They think clear glass looks better. <!-- s:evil: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_evil.gif" alt="" title="Evil or Very Mad" /><!-- s:evil: --> I never buy beer in clear or green glass any more. I don't see the point of spending money on something that is going to smell awful.

&amp;quot;microgirl&amp;quot;:2ev2fa7k wrote: (excuse ignorant question)[/quote:2ev2fa7k]
No need to apologise. Questions are usually asked in order to remove an element of ignorance.

&amp;quot;microgirl&amp;quot;:2ev2fa7k wrote: What exactly does the term "light-struck" mean? Ok, I mean I can figure out that it means like many chemicals or compounds the ale is affected adversely by light, altering it's taste and aroma, but I mean how would I tell a "light-struck" beer from not? Just a matter of drinking lots kept in lots of different situations and comparing and eventually realising one way doesn't taste so great?

Because I've never found any problem with any of the beers you mention - or if I don't like them I happily accept that I just don't like that beer, rather than there's something wrong with it - but then, the only way I've drunk them is from clear-glass bottles bought in off-licences or supermarkets, so have no basis for comparison.[/quote:2ev2fa7k]
It took me a long time to recognise the light-struck nose. I always thought it was just a feature of el cheapo lagers before I was introduced to the smell at Brewlab in Subderland. It is often described as "catty" or "skunky" but to me it has a characteristic of burnt rubber. Not nice either way!

[quote:wvy7t36v]DMS?

I though it came though as a cooked corn aroma[/quote:wvy7t36v]

I had a look through George Fix's Principles of Brewing Science and found that Bamforth states 60 micrograms/litre as the 'objectionable threshold' for DMS in lager and he described it as 'cat urine like'. The 'cooked corn' aroma develops at much higher concentrations of DMS. English lagers are brewed to around 30 micrograms/L DMS, seemingly. Bottled Heineken smells strongly of 'cat urine' to me, at any rate.

&amp;quot;Les_Howarth&amp;quot;:1kvysnpf wrote: It took me a long time to recognise the light-struck nose. I always thought it was just a feature of el cheapo lagers before I was introduced to the smell at Brewlab in Subderland. It is often described as "catty" or "skunky" but to me it has a characteristic of burnt rubber. Not nice either way![/quote:1kvysnpf]

Maybe I should do that. 'Cos I've quite liked Marston's Double Drop when I've had it, and indeed their other beers. I've never noticed any off smell or taste about them at all. Hmm.