Morton Coutts
Morton William Coutts | |
|---|---|
| Born | 7 February 1904 New Zealand |
| Died | 25 June 2004 (aged 100) |
| Occupation(s) | Brewing innovator, inventor |
| Known for | Inventing the continuous fermentation technique |
Morton William Coutts (7 February 1904 – 25 June 2004) was a New Zealand innovator who revolutionized the science of brewing. He is most notably recognized for inventing the continuous fermentation technique.
History
The brewing tradition in Coutts' family began with his German grandfather, Frederick Joseph Kühtze, who started producing beer in Otago, New Zealand during the late 1800s before moving the family brewery to Palmerston North in 1900. The enterprise was passed down to William Joseph Kühtze, who altered the surname to Coutts amid World War I to adopt a more British-sounding identity. After William Kühtze became gravely ill during the 1918 Spanish flu outbreak, Morton Coutts assumed control of the brewery at just 17 years old, receiving mentorship from Conor W. Cary.
In 1946, Coutts advanced to become a director at DB Breweries.
Continuous fermentation method
During the 1930s, Coutts conducted extensive research on yeast—the fundamental agent in brewing—perceiving it as a sophisticated organism equipped with adaptable enzyme systems. This understanding inspired him to create a wort stabilization technique that enhanced both clarity and product uniformity. He further innovated by dividing fermentation into two distinct phases: initial yeast propagation followed by alcohol generation. This approach facilitated a seamless, ongoing transition between these stages, maximizing yeast efficiency and overall process productivity.
In recognition of his significant impact on brewing, Coutts was honored as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 1983 Queen's Birthday Honours.
Other work
Beyond his brewing innovations and patents, Coutts was also a trailblazer in New Zealand's broadcasting history. He is credited with being among the first to transmit television signals and one of the earliest individuals to send shortwave radio communications to Britain. Nevertheless, the inaugural confirmed two-way radio contact between New Zealand and Britain took place on 18 October 1924, involving Frank D. Bell (Z4AA) and Cecil W. Goyder (G2SZ), marking a milestone in global radio communication.