Study shows sound can make beer brew faster

Lisa Lock
scientific editor

Robert Egan
associate editor

Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka researchers have hit the right note to cut down the time it takes to brew beer without altering its flavor. They have found playing audible sound (white noise) while making beer can reduce the fermentation process by 21–31 hours without significantly affecting the flavor.
Lead author Dr. Parise Adadi, who completed the study as part of his Ph.D. in Department of Food Science, says this could enable breweries to increase their output, without compromising quality.
In the study, in the journal Food Research International, the researchers used a specialized device called linear actuators (LATs) to deliver the white noise as particle sound energy into the fermenting beer.
As a result, the yeast growth intensified, significantly accelerating the fermentation.
Dr. Adadi says this is both exciting and revolutionary. "These findings could pave the way for innovative research directions, benefitting breweries, yeast manufacturers, and the broader food industry."
The researchers conducted independent fermentation experiments using standardized wort, the liquid extracted from malt during the mashing process when brewing beer or whiskey.
One batch of beer was subjected to continuous sound stimulation (800–2000 Hz @ ~140 dB) using LATs and a control batch was not. The one exposed to sound fermented faster.
"The application of sound stimulation increased the yeast growth by maintaining a higher concentration of yeast cells in suspension," Dr. Adadi says.
"The sound energy stimulated cellular processes and metabolic pathways, enhancing yeast growth and activity. This led to faster consumption of wort sugars and subsequent production of alcohol; but importantly did not significantly alter the flavor composition of the final beer."
Applying the findings in real-world circumstances could have a substantial impact on the beer industry, he says.
"Faster fermentation times would enhance production efficiency, enabling breweries to increase output while preserving beer quality. Since the process has minimal influence on volatile organic compound production, brewers can maintain desired flavor profiles, ensuring consistency in taste and aroma.
"Furthermore, if audible sound stimulation proves scalable, it could revolutionize fermentation technology, sparking innovations across other fermented products such as wine and spirits."
More information: Parise Adadi et al, Audible sound decreased beer fermentation time with minimal effects on the abundance of volatile organic compound production, Food Research International (2025).
Provided by University of Otago