Feasibility of using gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry to identify characteristic volatile compounds related to brandy aging

Abstract

Herein, gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) employing FS-SE-54-CB (non-polar) and WAX (polar) columns is used to determine the volatile compound profile of brandy samples aged up to nine years and characteristic markers related to aging are identified. Non-polar GC column showed better separation of the aromatic markers. The marker compounds of brandy included esters, higher alcohols, aldehydes, and fatty acids. Isopentyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl-2-methylpropanoate, ethyl propanoate, and furfurol were identified as the characteristic volatile compounds in the brandy samples aged for six years. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was also used to analyse the aromatic compound profile of aged brandy samples and verify the GC-IMS results. Based on the identification of ten common volatiles detected using GC-IMS and GC–MS, it was concluded that GC-IMS could be used to determine the characteristic markers related to brandy aging; However, low responses were observed for terpenes and volatile phenols.