The Brazilian sugar-cane spirit chemical compounds classified like secondary compounds are one group of Brazilian sugar-cane spirit minor compounds formed during the fermentation process. That compounds are important for the taste and flavor of spirits in general, mainly esters and aldehydes. However, that compounds are above the standard quality established by Agriculture Ministry (MAPA), they can affect the Brazilian sugar-cane spirit quality and be harmful to the health. Aiming to evaluate the sugar-cane spirit secondary compounds from diverse sites at Minas Gerais State, 45 samples were randomized sampled and taken to the Brazilian Sugar-Cane Spirit Analysis Laboratory of UFLA during the period of August of 2000 to July of 2001. The results showed that there were high and significant statistical difference between the samples analyzed regarding higher alcohol, esters, aldehydes and volatile organic acids. Among 45 Brazilian sugar-cane spirits analyzed, 7 showed excess of higher alcohol, 2 showed excess of aldehydes and 3 showed excess of organic acids, therefore 24,4% of Brazilian sugar-cane spirits analyzed were out of the standard quality established by MAPA (1997).
secondary compounds; Brazilian sugar-cane spirit; cachaça
