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As oxalate has been found predominantly earth (DE) particulates bleeding through equipment (unpassivated stainless steel?
in the last fractions of distillation (the the filtration system appear, under a basic or heavy mineral deposits in stainless
tailings) it is important to discard these light microscope, as intricate shapes of steel tanks {iron} or stills {copper} etc.).
last-runnings. Besides the possibility of the diatoms forming its matrix-providing For sweetened spirits, microorganisms
them forming in tequila they are suggested evidence of breakdown of the filtration — including spore forming microbes if
as being a source of dermatological operation. A significant summary in all present in sugar syrups etc., could be
irritation among tequila distillery and agave this is that filtration conditions must problematic and ultimately become a
plantation workers (Salinas, Ogura and be understood and controlled based on source of microbiological-based haze
Soffchi, 2001). Again seemingly innocuous the actual composition or type of spirit (Malinovsky, 2000). Bottling operations
minerals such as calcium are thus not be being produced and bottled (Warwicker, should be undertaken only in clean areas,
ignored. 1960; 1963 a, b), the reason and need free of any grains, raw materials or food
for filtration, and upon a knowledge items and any other materials which may
Summary, Final Points and understanding of the nature and be or become a source of microorganisms
of Discussion and composition of the filtration medium and and/or dust particles, fibers or oils etc.
Due diligence and understanding as to
Actions to be taken to the integrity of the filtration system. how these hazes (turbidities), particulate-
Distillers often want to add a “local” angle
Avoid Turbidity Issues to their marketing but the use of well-water suspensions and precipitates arise will solve
The distiller needs to understand the should be avoided for dilution unless tested many of the problems we are presented
quality attributes of raw materials (plus to be sure it is really a mineral-free quality with weekly. Sometimes identifying these
their preparation) and the capacities of their source. An insistence on use of local water visually offending materials can be quite
yeast strains. They then need to control the sources is one rejection argument against costly unless they are sitosterol or calcium
fermentation conditions, the distillation advice to use only mineral free dilution oxalate related; these two causes often
process, and consider the quality of the water. Checking the performance of any being quickly identified via microscopy
dilution water and any filtration media water purification system is essential and and confirmed, if necessary, by means of
used. The quality and cleanliness of should be standard operating procedure. chromatographic techniques.
glass bottles, and the cleanliness of the Consumers often chill spirits or store them It is hoped that this review and sidebars,
bottling house and machinery and other in the freezer and so pre-testing of product along with the cited references, will provide
equipment is then also important. All this by the distiller, perhaps over an extended the distiller with a clearer understanding of
is needed in-order to prevent or reduce the time period, can reveal if these issues are this rather murky and technically complex
appearance of hazes, colloidal suspensions likely to occur with their own product. issue. Wishing you clarity in understanding
and precipitates. Glass bottles must be free of detergents, and success in producing crystal clear and
Filtration media includes charcoal — very mold release compounds (from the actual long-time shelf-stable spirits.
fine charcoal particulates can bleed through production molding of the bottles — not
into product! A silky grey-black greasy-like the microbiological kind of mold — though Gary Spedding, Ph.D. is a brewing analytical
precipitate might be evidence for carbon that too must not be overlooked if present chemist/sensory specialist and managing
deposit bleed through. If charcoal filtration in the bottling house) and lubricating oils owner of Brewing and Distilling Analytical
Services, LLC. The team also includes Jessi
is used then the simplest explanation is that and greases or dust residues from plant Bentley, B.Sc. chemist, Matthew Linske, B.Sc.
such deposits are carbon-fines. A definitive or packaging materials. Protein based lead microbiologist, and Philip Gennette,
identification would require some extensive adhesives might also be a concern as will B.Sc. analytical technician. For more
and expensive investigation. Diatomaceous unclean pipe-lines, tanks and distillation information visit www.alcbevtesting.com or call
(859) 278-2533.

REFERENCES Krosnijs, I. and Kuka, P. (2003). Influence of Water Hardness Siebert, K.J. (2006). Haze Formation in Beverages, LWT
on the Clearness and Stability of Vodka. Pol. J. Food Nutr. Sci. (Food Science and Technology). 39; 987-994.
Aylott, R. (2014). Whisky analysis. In: Whisky: Technology, 12/53, SI 2; 58-60.
Production and Marketing (Second Edition). Edited by Lachenmeier, D. W., Sohnius, E-M., Attig, R. and López, M.G. Spedding, G., Linske, M. and Weygandt, A. (2017). Beer
Colloidal Stability. The Brewers Journal. Jan-Feb 2017; 80-83.
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Anions in Mexican Agave Spirits (Tequila, Mezcal, Sotol,
Braus, H. Eck, J.W., Mueller, W. M. and Miller, F.D. (1957.) Bacanora). J. Agric. Food Chem. 54 (11); 3911-3915. Scotch Whisky. J. Sci. Food. Agric., 11; 709-716.
Isolation and Identification of a Sterol Glucoside from Warwicker, L. A. (1963a). Instability in Potable Spirits. II. –
Whiskey. Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 5 (6); 458-59. Malinovsky, K. (2000). Turbidity Problems in the Spirits Rum and Brandy. J. Sci. Food. Agric., 14; 365-371.
Industry. Brantweinwirtschaft. 140 (17); 253-255. [A
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Salinas, M. L., Ogura, T. and Soffchi, L. (2001). Irritant Williams, G.C. and Fallin, E.A. (1943). Activated Carbon
Dudley, Wm. L. (1908). The Filtration of Alcoholic Liquids contact dermatitis caused by needle-like calcium oxalate Treatment of Raw Whisky. Industrial and Engineering
Through Wood Charcoal. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 30 (11); 1794- crystals, raphides, in Agave tequilana among workers in tequila Chemistry. 35 (2); 251-254
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