How to tell real whiskey from fake -- faster

http://www.physorg.com ^ | July 25, 2011 | Provided by University of Strathclyde

[Red Badger]

Methods for distinguishing between authentic and counterfeit Scotch whisky brands have been devised by scientists at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.

Researchers from the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry have found new ways to compare the content of whisky samples to determine if they are the whisky on the label or an imitation brand.

A series of blind tests successfully put the real whisky brand and the fakes in the right categories. The system could enhance the technology industry uses to tackle the trade in illicit whisky, which costs huge sums in lost revenue and threatens brand reputation.

Professor David Littlejohn, who led the research, said: "The whisky industry has tools at its disposal for telling authentic and counterfeit whisky brands apart but many of them involve lab-based analysis, which isn't always the most convenient system if a sample needs to be identified quickly.

"There's a growing need for methods that can provide simpler and faster identification and we have developed a system which could be adapted for devices to use on site, without the need to return samples to a lab. It could be of great benefit to an industry which is hugely important to the economy."

The researchers analysed 17 samples of blended whisky, looking at the concentration of ethanol in the samples without diluting them and the residue of dried whisky. They did so with mid-infrared spectrometry, used with immersion probes that incorporate novel optical fibres developed by Scottish based company Fibre Photonics Ltd, who co-sponsored the research. The procedures developed can provide prompt, accurate analysis without the complexity and cost of some other systems.

The levels of ethanol and colourant led them to identify correctly the eight authentic and nine counterfeit samples.

The project research paper has been published in Analytica Chimica Acta.

[IYAS9YAS]

Ours sell beer and wine only. Liquor is sold in a stand-alone store. It may be adjacent, but must be separate. When I was in Europe, 10 years back, I was surprised to see liquor sold in grocery stores...............

Come visit New Mexico. Beer, wine and spirits, with smokes, or smokeless, or even roll your own, all at Walgreens (and other places, of course, but selection may vary).

[IYAS9YAS]

Come visit New Mexico. Beer, wine and spirits, with smokes, or smokeless, or even roll your own, all at Walgreens (and other places, of course, but selection may vary).

Some of the Walmarts sell all this, and they have rifles, shotguns and ammo, too. Bet they don't get visits from the BATFEIEIO, though.

[Red Badger]

Our liquor stores used to be able to sell mixed drinks at the DRIVE IN WINDOW!..........long ago.................

[ansel12]

I was working a job that required me to visit a spirits bottling plant. They had a 10,000 gallon container of vodka. The same vodka was then bottled under at least ten different labels (as well as bottle sizes/shapes and makes - glass or plastic), all with a different price point and destined for different markets around the area.

A Smirnoff Vice president said something similar in the 1960s or early 70s.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

There is a grain processing plant in Muscatine, Iowa that bottled at least a dozen different brands of vodka, all from the same vat.

[The Cajun]

Well from the Cajun's younger days (Much younger), he has found that establishments selling liquor and also featuring scantly clad dancing girls, seldom sell the best whiskey..........Just an observation from yesteryear.

[fredhead]

Real whiskey comes in one of these......

[Victor]

"...Just stick with the “Dewar’s White Label” if you’re looking for a quality blended whiskey....you’ll be fine....."

While traveling internationally I once picked up a bottle of Dewar's Special Reserve, 43%. I found it in a duty free shop; I haven't seen it here in the States, at least not where I live.

One of the best scotches I've ever tasted. Magnificent stuff...

[Cletus.D.Yokel]

Ahhh...

The days of getting a “gimlet-to-go” at the drive-up in Casper, WY are a long-cherished memory.

[Red Badger]

I’m sure you didn’t go there for the liquor..................

[The Cajun]

I’m sure you didn’t go there for the liquor..................

I can not tell a lie, I was dragged in there by ne'er-do-well friends in my innocent youth :^)

[Logic n' Reason]

Hear! Hear!!

[G Larry]

Ya, the Leap Frog is good, but pricey!

[Logic n' Reason]

Yikes!!

What else don't you enjoy because it's owned and/or influenced by those evil rich people/families/companys/farm cooperatives/corporations/catholics???

[Logic n' Reason]

While traveling internationally I once picked up a bottle of Dewar's Special Reserve, 43%. I found it in a duty free shop; I haven't seen it here in the States, at least not where I live.
One of the best scotches I've ever tasted. Magnificent stuff...

It is indeed! There are some on-line sources from whom you could procure a dram or two. I have my own "internal" sources tho....

[NVDave]

So you’re a Kennedy supporter, eh?

[Logic n' Reason]

So you’re a Kennedy supporter, eh?

I didn't think there were any left to support! But no, the only Kennedy I supported was Jack....and that was when I was but a "yute"!

I was just wondering how you manage to enjoy life with all of your predudices and bigotry pulling you in different directions. Just curious, don'tchaknow.

[PJ-Comix]

Glen Fiddich and that’s that

In my days selling on the NASCAR circuit I was stuck at a motel due to heavy storms. Sooooo...I went to a nearby liquor store and picked up a bottle of Glen Fiddich. That stuff was sooooo.... good that I finished the bottle off in one evening. Next morning NO hangover. I was good to go.

[PJ-Comix]

I don’t know what you’re referring to, since I live in Florida and supermarkets don’t sell liquor here..........................

Oh yes they do. Some of the Publix stores and Albertsons have separate liquor store outlets right next to the main stores.

[Red Badger]

Yes, they do. But they have to be a separate store.......