Page 3 - UVSpecPaperBDASWhitePaperandBMGLabTechNote

BDAS, LLC WPSP#1 - 2015

Scanning UV-Visible Spectroscopy and Beverage Quality, Consistency and
Authentication: Preliminary Fingerprinting Application in the Analysis of a

Wide Variety of Alcoholic Beverages – A Brief Application Note

Gary Spedding, Ph.D.

[Brewing and Distilling Analytical Services, LLC, 1141 Red Mile Road, Suite 202, Lexington,
KY 40504.] Tel. (859) 278-2533. Website: www.alcbevtesting.com.
Correspondence: gspedding@alcbevtesting.com

Abstract-Overview UV-visible scanning spectroscopy instrument parameters by the operator. Other units
is seeing a resurgence as a general method for food are only applicable in the laboratory setting. We noted
analysis and towards a rapid authentication of alcoholic benefits to using microplate reading technology using
beverages. Distilled spirits have, up until now, been economical approaches for the analyses as described
the main focus of the application of scanning of below, while still allowing the flexibility of using
alcoholic beverages in the UV and visible regions such instruments for many other types of analyses.
of the electro-magnetic spectrum. Such analyses If performed on a scanning micro-plate reading
extending analytical capabilities to those lacking spectrophotometer the method is rapid, precise and
more expensive and complex NIR instruments; the cost effective with low sample volume permitting light
latter mode of spectroscopy also seeing application transmission through the short path-lengths required
with respect to beverages and foods in academic and for recording data from darker-colored beverages.
larger beverage manufacturer operations. A number The use of small volume additions to multi-well plates
of spectrophotometers have been developed dedicated obviates the need, in many instances, for dilution of
to authentication or “trueness to type identification” of the beverages which can affect the overall spectral
distilled spirits. Publications, from academia, dealing characteristics of the samples while still maintaining
with uv-visible analyses of distilled spirits and wine suitable detector response. Multiple samples are tested
analyses have appeared within the last decade or so in minutes in near real-time in the laboratory as could
with a couple dealing with beer analyses; though be the case also in the production and bottling facilities.
only a handful in total - yet the benefits for analyses
in the beverage industry are enormous in terms of Brewers, winemakers and distillers are finding more
quality, safety and economic returns. The methods are, uses for spectroscopy in routine analyses such as for
however, only just now beginning to see acceptance color determinations, bitterness analyses of beers, free
and adoption within the alcohol beverage industry. amino nitrogen (FAN) nutrient analyses for efficient
Coupled with chemometrics analyses, and through fermentation, polyphenols, antioxidant activities,
the building up of libraries of beverage spectral data, enzymatic analyses of alcohol, sugars, acids and other
authentication of beverages and testing for adulterated analytes of interest (described in appropriate methods
products is seen to be possible. However, we propose of analyses manuals and by regulatory bodies dealing
the method also as a rapid fingerprinting - or blunt with their interests and specific areas and not further
force - approach for monitoring quality and consistency referenced here). It may be of benefit for those in
of beverage production and for beverage formulation these beverage areas to consider scanning instruments
especially for small-scale production facilities; craft and microplate reading technologies for analytical
brewers, craft distillers and wineries. flexibility especially as the cost of such instruments
has come down dramatically within the last two
Some instruments are designed for field work and decades. This brief review focuses on some new types
are really only dedicated to this type of application of testing to support product development and quality,
requiring, as discussed below, some manipulation of authenticity, safety, and consistency. It is intended as

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