Does music affect the taste of beer?

Can music actually affect the way that beer tastes?
Although we all enjoy drinking at shows or having some great tunes in the background when drinking with friends, thinking that the sound itself affects the taste of the beer might be a long shot. Right?

Well, according to a recent study in Belgium, music can actually really alter the way people perceive the taste and strength of beer. Participants to the experiments were asked to taste beer under different circumstances under different sonic stimulations. They were then asked to rate the experience.

Tasting beer under different circumstances & under different sonic stimulations

Photograph via Unsplash

Regarding research, music with deep tones and heavy bass contributed to a perception of a beer tasting more bitter, while Disney soundtracks and other melodic material triggered a different response, with people highlighting the sweetness of the beer.

Results also changed when considering the music tastes of individuals, who seemed to transfer their enthusiasm for the music on the actual flavor response from the beer itself!

The idea that sound affects flavor remains fascinating and controversial in spite of this experiment.