Characterisation of Commercial Vodkas by Solid-Phase Microextraction and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Analysis

Abstract

A reliable method for the characterisation of vodkas has been developed by application of solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GCMS). Sixty‐four samples of commercial Canadian and American vodkas, and one sample each of Japanese and German vodkas, were investigated in this study. The procedure yielded reproducible chromatographic profiles. The detected components were ethyl esters of C8 to C18 fatty acids at μg litre−1 levels, various additives and contaminants. Distinctive profiles were observed for various brands. Markers for differentiating between Canadian and American vodkas were identified. The results of this study indicate that vodkas are differentiated by the combined effects of the original raw materials, any added substances, and differences in processing.

Mini-Review: The Role of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the Production of Gin and Vodka

“…Ng, et al [56] determined that 18 different vodkas could be differentiated according to the raw materials used and the method of production. In this work, ethyl ester levels (fermentation by-products from yeast) were one of the markers used to identify the different spirits [56]. These results were not confirmed by Cai, et al [45] who found that, when examining 12 commercially available vodkas, the levels of volatile congeners could not be correlated to the raw material for fermentation or the geographical origin of the spirit.…”

“…Ng, et al [56] determined that 18 different vodkas could be differentiated according to the raw materials used and the method of production. In this work, ethyl ester levels (fermentation by-products from yeast) were one of the markers used to identify the different spirits [56].…”

Changes in quality parameters of vodka filtered through activated charcoal

“…Traditional raw materials for vodka production were cereals, especially maize and wheat (Lachenmeier et al 2008;Art Maski Company 2010). Currently, other raw materials can be also found on the bottle labels: potatoes, molasses or sugar beet (Ng et al 1996;Lachenmeier et al 2003;Art Maski Company 2010).…”

“…(Fillipova 1994;Ng et al 1996;Fillipova & Fillipova 1997;Blecha 2008;Mukhin et al 2009;Siříšťová & Melzoch 2009). …”

“…Because of low concentrations the analyses of volatiles in vodka are performed after using some of the pre-concentration techniques (Ng et al 1996;Lachenmeier et al 2003). These include mainly solid-phase extraction (SPE) or solid-phase microextraction (SPME) in the direct (DI) or head-space (HS) mode (Ng et al 1996;Lachenmeier et al 2003Lachenmeier et al , 2008Reshetnikova et al 2007). A suitable solution for the determination of volatile compounds with high sensitivity is the connection of solid-phase microextraction with gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric detection (HS-SPME/GC-MS).…”