Rapid Scotch Whisky Analysis and Authentication using Desorption Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionisation Mass Spectrometry

Sci Rep. 2019 May 29;9(1):7994. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-44456-0.

Abstract

Whisky, as a high value product, is often adulterated, with adverse economic effects for both producers and consumers as well as potential public health impacts. Here we report the use of DAPCI-MS to analyse and chemically profile both genuine and counterfeit whisky samples employing a novel 'direct from the bottle' methodology with zero sample pre-treatment, zero solvent requirement and almost no sample usage. 25 samples have been analysed from a collection of blended Scotch whisky (n = 15) and known counterfeit whisky products (n = 10). Principal component analysis has been applied to dimensionally reduce the data and discriminate between sample groups. Additional chemometric modelling, a partial least squares regression, has correctly classified samples with 92% success rate. DAPCI-MS shows promise for simple, fast and accurate counterfeit detection with potential for generic aroma profiling and process quality monitoring applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alcoholic Beverages / analysis*
  • Atmospheric Pressure*
  • Drug Contamination
  • Mass Spectrometry*
  • Principal Component Analysis