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Isomerized Kettle Extracts (PIKE)

Preparation:pure resin extract undergoes controlled heating with alkali metal carbonate which isomerizes
Major Role:provision of bittering and late hop character to beer
Method of Use:addition to boiling wort in kettle at various stages

COMPOSITION

As for pure resin extract except that over 90% of the alpha acids are isomerized.
from supercritical CO2 extract:
-lacking in essential oil components
from liquid CO2 extract:
-more pure than supercritical
-containing essential oil amount and quality comparable with source leaf hop
Oils can be left in or removed during isomerization and left out or added back following isomerization

ADVANTAGES

-very easy to handle, ship, store and use
-allows precise control of bitterness
-has very high utilization of bitterness (55 - 60%)
-retains aroma properties of source hops (ex-liquid CO2)
-high purity and freedom from residues
-no wort losses
-allows benefit of liquid CO2 extract use with no higher cost of bitterness than from leaf hops

DISADVANTAGES

-specific varieties subject to minimum notice and quantities
-may be considered "chemically processed"