Assessment of a Chinese Spirit Using Electronic Sensory Tools

The flavors of six Chinese spirits were evaluated using a zNose®, a fast GC analyzer. The first derivative profile, retention time, and peak area were used to discriminant samples at various grades. Principle component analysis (PCA) and canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) were adopted for data analyses, where 100% classification was achieved. A network analyzer was also included in this study to attempt the possibility of estimating the concentration of alcohol by dielectric properties. Dielectric constant and loss factorof 0-100% ethanol-water mixtures in 10% interval and 42%, 50%, 53%, 62%, 64% ethanol-water mixtures, as well as spirits samples were measured and compared.