The focus of this investigation was qualitative analysis of the volatile components present in different types/brands of spirits, such as rum, vodka, and whiskey, using liquid-liquid extraction and GCMS. By comparing not only the types of compounds present in the volatile extracts but also the relative abundances (area percentage), we can see which components are common to all spirits, which are common to a particular type of spirit, and which are particular to a given brand. Several craft brand as well as large commercial brands were included. In addition, an unknown crystal fluorophore was extracted and identified using various spectroscopic techniques. This fluorophore was added to a bottle of vodka and caused the solution to fluoresce. Development of the extraction technique, qualitative comparison, and identification of the fluorophore in the vodka will be discussed.

Qualitative analyses of local craft spirits compared to common large brands using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

255th National Meeting (2018)

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