Detection of the illicit extension of potable spirituous liquors using 13C: 12C ratios

✍ Scribed by Wayne A. Simpkins; Donald Rigby

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1982
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 350 KB
• Volume: 33
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0022-5142
• DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.2740330913

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

The stable carbon isotope ratios of 122 samples of common liquors and nine ferment able substrates have been determined. The δ^13^C values of the liquors analysed reflected those in the plant from which the fermentable substrate was derived. These values ranged from —23.4 to– ‐26.0% relative to Pee Dee Belemnite (PDB) for substrates derived from C~3~ plants while those from C~4~ plants ranged from —10.3 to —11.8% PDB. The application of this technique to detect the illicit extension of whisky has been investigated. As little as 2.9% grape spirit or 5.7% molasses spirit can be detected in whisky although the lower limit is dependent on the δ^13^C value of both the authentic whisky and the diluent. Measurement of ^13^C: ^12^C ratios could also be used to check that imported brandies conform with local requirements.