Abstract
This study focuses on the determination of the chemical profile of 24 non-aged Brazilian artisanal sugarcane spirits (cachaça) samples through chromatographic quantification and chemometric treatment via principal component analysis (PCA) and Kohonen’s neural network. In total, forty-seven (47) chemical compounds were identified in the samples of non-aged artisanal cachaça, in addition to determining alcohol content, volatile acidity, and copper. For the PCA of the chemical compounds’ profile, it could be observed that the samples were grouped into seven groups. On the other hand, the variables’ bearings were grouped together, making it difficult to separate the components in relation to the sample groups and reducing the chances of obtaining all the necessary information. However, by using a Kohonen’s neural network, samples were grouped into eight groups. This tool proved to be more accurate in the groups’ formation. Among the chemical classes of the compounds observed, esters stood out, followed by alcohols, acids, aldehydes, ketones, phenol, and copper. The abundance of esters in these samples may suggest that these compounds would be part of the regional standard for cachaças produced in the region of Salinas, Minas Gerais.
Highlights
Cachaça is the typical and exclusive name for the sugarcane spirit produced in Brazil, with specific identity profiles established by the identity and quality standard of cachaça (Brasil 2005)
Analyzing 94 cachaças and commercial distilled spirits according to their identity and quality standards, maximum values for volatile acidity were found to be 247.4 mg 100 mL anhydrous a lcohol−1, with a minimum of 6.06 mg 100 mL anhydrous alcohol−1 indicating that cachaça do possess a great variability of chemical compositions among the analyzed brands, with volatile acidity being among the components with greater variation, coinciding with the similar results found in this study
It will be possible to guarantee to the consumer that the product they are buying is free from contaminants and adulterations
Summary
Cachaça is the typical and exclusive name for the sugarcane spirit produced in Brazil, with specific identity profiles established by the identity and quality standard of cachaça (Brasil 2005). This standard alone is not enough to establish a chemical profile capable of discriminating the cachaça complex matrix. The expansion of cachaça’s market share has been encouraging improvements, in order to implement stricter controls and more detailed studies regarding the beverage’s production process, as well as in improving its chemical and sensory qualities (Serafim and Lanças 2019). Salinas has the highest concentration of artisanal cachaça brands in Brazil with more than sixty brands and an estimated production of five million liters per harvest. The harvest moves dozens of alembics, generating income, and jobs for the local populace (Brasil 2018)
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