Changes in quality parameters of vodka filtered through activated charcoal

Abstract

The production technology of high-quality vodka used in Russia involves filtration through activated charcoal. To approach the quality of renowned Russian vodka, one prominent Czech spirit-producing company installed on its production premises a filtration device including a charcoal column, and launched test runs during which different filtration conditions were tested. Samples collected during the test runs were analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS with the aim to compare their composition; sensory analysis was an integral part of the evaluation. The results documented a positive effect of charcoal filtration on the quality of produced vodka, which was not reduced when higher flow rates were applied.

Keywords

• vodka
• spirit
• ethanol
• activated carbon
• gc-fid
• gc-ms
• sensory analysis
• volatile organic compounds