Abstract

This work focuses on the development, validation, and use of analytical methods for the identification and quantitation of relevant constituents in sugar cane spirits from Brazil and Cape Verde. The compositions of both artisanal and industrial products were investigated. Repeatability, recovery, linearity of analytical curves, limits of detection, and limits of quantitation were parameters considered for methods validation. Gas chromatography was used for the analyses of acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, and alcohols. Anions were analyzed by ion chromatography, while metal ions were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Good precision and accuracy were achieved, and the concentrations of some constituents were found to be higher than that allowed by law, namely: acetaldehyde, in five samples from Cape Verde and in three samples from Brazil; n-butyl alcohol, in two samples from Cape Verde and in three samples from Brazil; higher alcohols, in three samples from Cape Verde and in two samples from Brazil. On the other hand, mean concentrations of acetaldehyde and higher alcohols were in accordance with legal requirements. Further discussion is presented regarding differences observed between the compositions of the samples studied.

Key words: Sugar cane spirits, cachaça, grogue, quality control, chemical composition, chromatography, methods validation, Brazil, Cape Verde.