Introduction
The global alcoholic beverage market is valued at over $1.5 billion and is expected to grow substantially in coming years, making alcoholic beverages a prime target for adulteration. Distilled beverages are normally the most expensive alcoholic beverage per unit mass and they can be adulterated with water, ethanol not meant for human consumption, or the potentially toxic methanol. Likewise, wine can be adulterated with water, artificial sweeteners, or other additives. Misrepresentation of locale or vintage also constitutes adulteration in alcoholic beverages. NIR spectroscopy has been examined for the purpose of determining the presence of adulterants in alcoholic beverages and a summary of one study is presented below.Analytes
- Products: Whiskey, Brandy, Rum, Vodka
- Adulterants: Water, Ethanol, Methanol