No abstract

This work describes the preparation of aromatised liquors using deodorised and concentrated fruit distillates. The raw spirits were improved by making a partial deodorisation, using activated charcoal, followed by concentration, using a distiller. The liquors were prepared by a maceration process. The procedure is exemplified using fig distillates to prepare myrtle berry liquors. The acidity, copper, polyphenol and anthocyanin indexes and volatile and anthocyanin profiles were monitored in each preparation step. The concentration process increased the ethanol proof to 75% v ⁄ v and decreased the acidity and the copper content. The partial deodorisation decreased the levels of high molecular weight volatiles, while the content of lower molecular weight compounds that contribute to flavour was maintained. Delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, petunidin-3-O-glucoside and malvidin-3-O-glucoside were the major anthocyanins.