Production of sugar cane spirits for double distillation in rectifying still

Author(s)

Paula Araújo de Souza

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Piracicaba.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALA/BC)
• Defense date: 2009-10-01

Examining board members

André Ricardo Alcarde; Urgel de Almeida Lima; Julio Marcos Melges Walder

• Advisor: André Ricardo Alcarde

Abstract

Nowadays the production of sugar cane spirits reaches around 1.5 billion liters per year. The increase of its consumption and the possibility of exportation require a production process based on accurate management practices in order to obtain a standardized product with good physicochemical and sensory qualities. The objective of this work was to produce sugar cane spirits by double distillation in rectifying still, based on the methods for the production of cognac and scotch malt whisky. It was possible to study how the distillation techniques affected the profiles of secondary components of the distillates, and consequently spirits quality, once these components contribute for aroma and flavor, being indicators of quality and consumers acceptance. The sugar cane spirit were aged in oak casks and submitted to physicochemical and sensorial analyses established for the current law in Brazil. The results showed that the techniques of double distillation improved the chemical and sensorial quality of the spirits. The improvement of sugar cane spirits quality would lead to a better acceptance by usual consumers, would acquire new ones and would contribute for export expansion. The double distillation represents an interesting option for the quality improvement and the standardization of sugar cane spirit. (AU)