Characterization of aroma-active compounds and perceptual interaction between esters and sulfur compounds in Xi baijiu

Abstract

The aroma-active compounds of three Xi baijiu samples (Xijiulan, Y1, Xijiuyinxiangguizhou, Y2 and Xijiuyinzhi, Y3) were analyzed by gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC–O), GC–flame photometric detection (FPD) and odor activity value (OAV). The results indicated that a total of 92 aroma compounds were determined, including 16 sulfur compounds. Furthermore, 2-methyl-3-furanthiol (OAV: 31–220), 3-mercapohexyl acetate (OAV: 1870), dimethyl trisulfide (OAV: 333–400), 3-mercaptohexanol (OAV: 34–36), β-damascenone (OAV: 1317–1342), 2-butylfuran (OAV: 629–672), ethyl 3-methylbutanoate (OAV: 655–899), ethyl hexanoate (OAV: 687–729), and ethyl octanoate (OAV: 1164–1362) exhibited much higher OAVs and aroma intensities (AIs) than other compounds. Finally, the perceptual interactions between five sulfur compounds and six esters were studied using Feller’s additive model in Y2. Among the 30 binary mixtures, 12 groups showed an additive effect, 4 groups exhibited a synergistic effect, and 14 groups exerted a masking effect. These data indicated that dimethyl disulfide and 2-methyl-3-furanthiol had masking and additive effects on the aroma of esters.