PERCEPTION OF HETEROCYCLIC NITROGEN-COMPOUNDS IN MATURE WHISKEY

Standard solutions of N-heterocyclic compounds in ethanol are extracted with pentane at a range of pHs. Pentane extractions are also performed on N-heterocyclic standards in ethanol with addition of Limousin Oak extract at a range of concentrations. The effects observed on extraction are collated with sensory assessments. The results obtained would suggest that pyridines are absent from the aroma of a mature whisky due to its acidity, and that interaction with wood constituents in the cask does not occur.