Profiling Croatian Whisky Using GC/MS-MS and UHPLC-QTOF

This study investigates the chemical profiling of Croatian whisky using advanced analytical techniques: Solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight (UHPLC-QTOF). To our...

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Main Authors: Ante Lončarić, Aly Castillo, Maria Celeiro, Borislav Miličević, Hrvoje Bušić, Tomo Anadolac, Ana-Marija Gotal Skoko, Marta Lores
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Applied Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/5/2738
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author Ante Lončarić
Aly Castillo
Maria Celeiro
Borislav Miličević
Hrvoje Bušić
Tomo Anadolac
Ana-Marija Gotal Skoko
Marta Lores
author_facet Ante Lončarić
Aly Castillo
Maria Celeiro
Borislav Miličević
Hrvoje Bušić
Tomo Anadolac
Ana-Marija Gotal Skoko
Marta Lores
author_sort Ante Lončarić
collection DOAJ
description This study investigates the chemical profiling of Croatian whisky using advanced analytical techniques: Solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight (UHPLC-QTOF). To our knowledge, there are no studies on profiling Croatian whiskies to date. Therefore, the primary objective is to identify and quantify the volatile and non-volatile compounds contributing to the flavor and aroma profile of Croatian whisky. The methods applied included sample preparation, extraction, and subsequent analysis using these advanced analytical techniques. The results revealed a diverse range of compounds, including esters, alcohols, phenols, and acids, which are integral to the whisky’s sensory characteristics. Furthermore, key volatile and non-volatile compounds were identified in Croatian whiskies, revealing a complex aromatic profile influenced by compounds like D-limonene, linalool, and β-damascenone, which contribute citrus, floral, and fruity notes. The findings also highlighted compounds associated with aging, such as esculetin and ellagic acid, which enhance flavor complexity and emphasized the role of maturation, grain type, and production methods in shaping the unique sensory characteristics of Croatian whiskies. This study concludes that SPME-GC-MS and UHPLC-QTOF are effective tools for the detailed chemical profiling of whisky, providing valuable insights for quality control and product differentiation in the whisky industry.
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spelling doaj-art-b4e154c0de4d45bbbf299baccf332c002025-08-20T02:57:40ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-03-01155273810.3390/app15052738Profiling Croatian Whisky Using GC/MS-MS and UHPLC-QTOFAnte Lončarić0Aly Castillo1Maria Celeiro2Borislav Miličević3Hrvoje Bušić4Tomo Anadolac5Ana-Marija Gotal Skoko6Marta Lores7Faculty of Food Technology Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Franje Kuhača 18, 31000 Osijek, CroatiaCross-Disciplinary Research Centre in Environmental Technologies (CRETUS), Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition, and Food Science, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, SpainCross-Disciplinary Research Centre in Environmental Technologies (CRETUS), Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition, and Food Science, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, SpainFaculty of Tourism and Rural Development in Požega, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vukovarska ul. 17, 34000 Požega, CroatiaThe Spirit in the Bottle Ltd., Kovinska 30, 10090 Zagreb, CroatiaThe Spirit in the Bottle Ltd., Kovinska 30, 10090 Zagreb, CroatiaFaculty of Food Technology Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Franje Kuhača 18, 31000 Osijek, CroatiaI-Grape Laboratory, Vía Isaac Peral 32, 15890 Santiago de Compostela, SpainThis study investigates the chemical profiling of Croatian whisky using advanced analytical techniques: Solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight (UHPLC-QTOF). To our knowledge, there are no studies on profiling Croatian whiskies to date. Therefore, the primary objective is to identify and quantify the volatile and non-volatile compounds contributing to the flavor and aroma profile of Croatian whisky. The methods applied included sample preparation, extraction, and subsequent analysis using these advanced analytical techniques. The results revealed a diverse range of compounds, including esters, alcohols, phenols, and acids, which are integral to the whisky’s sensory characteristics. Furthermore, key volatile and non-volatile compounds were identified in Croatian whiskies, revealing a complex aromatic profile influenced by compounds like D-limonene, linalool, and β-damascenone, which contribute citrus, floral, and fruity notes. The findings also highlighted compounds associated with aging, such as esculetin and ellagic acid, which enhance flavor complexity and emphasized the role of maturation, grain type, and production methods in shaping the unique sensory characteristics of Croatian whiskies. This study concludes that SPME-GC-MS and UHPLC-QTOF are effective tools for the detailed chemical profiling of whisky, providing valuable insights for quality control and product differentiation in the whisky industry.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/5/2738Croatian whiskySPME-GC-MSUHPLC-QTOFchemical profilingvolatile compoundsnon-volatile compounds
spellingShingle Ante Lončarić
Aly Castillo
Maria Celeiro
Borislav Miličević
Hrvoje Bušić
Tomo Anadolac
Ana-Marija Gotal Skoko
Marta Lores
Profiling Croatian Whisky Using GC/MS-MS and UHPLC-QTOF
Applied Sciences
Croatian whisky
SPME-GC-MS
UHPLC-QTOF
chemical profiling
volatile compounds
non-volatile compounds
title Profiling Croatian Whisky Using GC/MS-MS and UHPLC-QTOF
title_full Profiling Croatian Whisky Using GC/MS-MS and UHPLC-QTOF
title_fullStr Profiling Croatian Whisky Using GC/MS-MS and UHPLC-QTOF
title_full_unstemmed Profiling Croatian Whisky Using GC/MS-MS and UHPLC-QTOF
title_short Profiling Croatian Whisky Using GC/MS-MS and UHPLC-QTOF
title_sort profiling croatian whisky using gc ms ms and uhplc qtof
topic Croatian whisky
SPME-GC-MS
UHPLC-QTOF
chemical profiling
volatile compounds
non-volatile compounds
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/5/2738
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