Characterization of Flavor Compounds in Rice-flavor <i>baijiu</i>, a Traditional Chinese Distilled Liquor, Compared with Japanese Distilled Liquors, <i>awamori</i> and <i>kome-shochu</i>
Xuan Yin, Yumiko Yoshizaki, Shugo Kurazono, Mina Sugimachi, Haruka Takeuchi, Xinglin Han, Kayu Okutsu, Taiki Futagami, Hisanori Tamaki, Kazunori Takamine
Abstract
This study aimed to reveal the chemical and flavor profiles of rice-flavor baijiu by comparison with awamori and kome-shochu, traditional Japanese liquors. Rice-flavor baijiu is similar to awamori and kome-shochu with regard to ingredients and the fermentation starter. Of the 15 rice-flavor baijiu samples in this study, 3 had a light yellow to dark-brown color. Dark-brown samples had high glucose and low amino acid contents. Lactic acid was detected in all rice-flavor baijiu samples. Compared to awamori and kome-shochu, rice-flavor baijiu contained more acetic acid. Thirty-four volatile compounds in rice-flavor baijiu were identified and quantified. In all, 18 compounds in rice-flavor baijiu, 15 in awamori and 13 in kome-shochu had an odor activity value (OAV) of >1. Of these, 11 compounds showed a three-fold higher OAV in rice-flavor baijiu than in awamori and kome-shochu. Principal component analysis revealed that ethyl lactate is a key volatile compound that is distinct to rice-flavor baijiu.