West African sorghum beer fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae: shelf‐life and consumer acceptance

The fermentation profiles, shelf‐life and consumer acceptance of traditional West African sour sorghum beer (pito) fermented with pure commercial starter cultures of lactic acid bacteria (L. delbrueckii) and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were evaluated. The beers from this ‘pure culture’ approach were compared with the spontaneous fermentation of pito wort. Lactic acid formation, pH change and extract utilisation were monitored during fermentation. Lactic acid content was used as a measure of sourness to establish the spoilage level of over‐sourness. Further, regression models relating sourness to the time the drink was kept were used to predict the shelf‐life. Consumer acceptance of the product was evaluated using a novel nine‐point hedonic scale. The pure culture and traditionally fermented beers followed similar lactic acid and fermentation profiles but strain‐specific differences were observed. Similar levels of pH, lactic acid level and extract utilisation were achieved. An improvement in shelf‐life of two days was found over traditionally fermented pito. There was no statistical difference between the two pito products for overall liking and taste. However, there was a preference for the aroma of the pure culture pito. It is suggested that the use of pure cultures will facilitate the scale‐up of pito production. © 2019 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

A novel approach for the production of a non‐alcohol beer (≤0.5% abv) by a combination of limited fermentation and vacuum distillation

Despite the increasing demand, the production of non‐alcohol beers is still limited by unsatisfactory or artificial flavour and taste. In this study, a novel approach to producing non‐alcohol beer is presented, in which the alcohol‐reducing techniques, limited fermentation and vacuum distillation were combined. Starting from barley and wheat malts, wort with a low level of fermentable sugars was prepared by infusion mashing and lautering. Limited fermentation was carried out by Saccharomycodes ludwigii at 18°C. When the level of fermentable sugar was reduced by 25%, the fermented wort was quickly cooled from 18 to 0°C and held at that temperature for two days. The young beer was obtained after degassing and removal of yeast and was then subjected to vacuum distillation at 0.06 MPa to remove the alcohol. The concentrated extract is suitable for storage and transportation. The final product of non‐alcohol beer was obtained by dilution with deoxygenated water and carbonation with 6.0 g/L CO₂, followed by addition of 8–12% of regular beer and equilibration for 2–3 days to develop normal beer aroma. The results showed that the non‐alcohol beer had several favourable properties, including the alcohol level of <0.5% (v /v), colour 7.0 (EBC), thiobarbituric acid value of 1.05 and ratio of alcohols to esters of 1.08. Compared with other methods for the production of non‐alcohol beer, this novel approach produced a favourable alternative to regular beers with similar flavour characteristics and satisfactory stability. Copyright © 2017 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

The effect of hopping regime,cultivar and β‐glucosidase activity on monoterpene alcohol concentrations in wort and beer

Previous studies show that the complexity of hop aroma in beer can be partly attributed to the hydrolysis of glycosidically bound monoterpene alcohols extracted from hops during the brewing process to release volatile aglycones. However, fundamental studies that examine the extraction of glycosides during brewing and their subsequent hydrolysis by yeast have not been performed. Furthermore, extraction of other hop‐derived compounds into beer shows a strong dependency on the hop cultivar being used and the point at which it is added. This study focused on the extent of glycoside extraction owing to hopping regime and cultivar, and their hydrolysis by yeast β‐glucosidase activity. Glycoside concentrations of wort made with three different hopping regimes and three cultivars were measured by the difference in volatile aglycone concentrations between samples treated with purified β‐glucosidase and untreated samples. Aglycone concentrations were measured by solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Additionally, β‐glucosidase activities for 80 different yeast strains and their effect on aglycone concentration in wort were determined. Results showed that yeast have a wide range of abilities to hydrolyse glycosides with a maximum hydrolysis occurring after 3 days of fermentation regardless of yeast activity. Although it was shown that yeast are capable of glycoside hydrolysis, glycoside concentrations in wort are low and make small contributions to hop aroma. These results help explain the extent to which different brewing yeasts and hopping regimes contribute to hoppy beer aroma through the hydrolysis of non‐volatile hop‐derived compounds. Copyright © 2017 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Optimization of alcohol‐free beer production by lager and cachaça yeast strains using response surface methodology

Alcohol‐free beers (AFBs) are an attractive segment of the beer market both for the brewing industry and for consumers. While AFBs produced by arrested/limited fermentation often suffer from a lack of volatile compounds, beer flavour can be improved by yeast selection and optimization of fermentation conditions. The yeast selection strategy was demonstrated by comparing traditional lager yeast with selected cachaça yeast strains. Correspondingly, response surface methodology was used to enhance the formation of the flavour‐active volatile compounds by optimization of the fermentation conditions (original wort extract, fermentation temperature, pitching rate). Statistical analysis of the experimental data revealed the relative significance of process variables and their interactions. The developed quadratic model describing the responses of total esters and higher alcohols to changes in process variables was used to predict the ideal fermentation conditions in terms of flavour formation. The predicted conditions were experimentally verified and alternative strategies of AFB production are suggested. Copyright © 2016 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Application of Plackett–Burman experimental design for investigating the effect of wort amino acids on flavour‐active compounds production during lager yeast fermentation

Aroma‐active higher alcohols and esters are produced intracellularly in the cytosol by fermenting lager yeast cells, which are of major industrial interest because they determine aroma and taste characteristics of the fermented beer. Wort amino acid composition and their utilization by yeast during brewer's wort fermentation influence both the yeast fermentation performance and the flavour profile of the finished product. To better understand the relationship between the yeast cell and wort amino acid composition, Plackett–Burman screening design was applied to measure the changes in nitrogen composition associated with yeast amino acids uptake and flavour formation during fermentation. Here, using an industrial lager brewing strain of Saccharomyces pastorianus , we investigated the effect of amino acid composition on the accumulation of higher alcohols and volatile esters. The objective of this study was to identify the significant amino acids involved in the flavour production during beer fermentation. Our results showed that even though different flavour substances were produced with different amino acid composition in the fermentation experiments, the discrepancies were not related to the total amount of amino acids in the synthetic medium. The most significant effect on higher alcohol production was exercised by the content of glutamic acid, aromatic amino acids and branch chain amino acids. Leucine, valine, glutamic acid, phenylalanine, serine and lysine were identified as important determinants for the formation of esters. The future applications of this information could drastically improve the current regime of selecting malt and adjunct or their formula with desired amino acids in wort. Copyright © 2017 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Review: Pure non‐Saccharomyces starter cultures for beer fermentation with a focus on secondary metabolites and practical applications

Recently there has been increased interest in using non‐Saccharomyces yeasts to ferment beer. The worldwide growth of craft beer and microbreweries has revitalised the use of different yeast strains with a pronounced impact on aroma and flavour. Using non‐conventional yeast gives brewers a unique selling point to differentiate themselves. Belgian brewers have been very successful in using wild yeasts and mixed fermentations that often contain non‐Saccharomyces yeasts. Historically, ancient beers and beers produced before the domestication of commonly used Saccharomyces strains most likely included non‐Saccharomyces species. Given the renewed interest in using non‐Saccharomyces yeasts to brew traditional beers and their potential application to produce low‐alcohol or alcohol‐free beer, the fermentation and flavour characteristics of different species of non‐Saccharomyces pure culture yeast were screened for brewing potential (Brettanomyces anomalus and bruxellensis, Candida tropicalis and shehatae, Saccharomycodes ludwigii, Torulaspora delbrueckii, Pichia kluyveri, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii). Alcohol‐free beer is already industrially produced using S. ludwigii, a maltose‐negative species, which is a good example of the introduction of non‐Saccharomyces yeast to breweries. Overall, non‐Saccharomyces yeasts represent a large resource of biodiversity for the production of new beers and have the potential for wider application to other beverage and industrial applications. Almost all of the trials reviewed were conducted with varying fermentation parameters, which plays an important role in the outcome of the studies. To understand these impacts all trials were described with their major fermentation parameters. Copyright © 2016 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Part III: the influence of serial repitching of Saccharomyces pastorianus on the production dynamics of some important aroma compounds during the fermentation of barley and gluten‐free buckwheat and quinoa wort

The present paper is the last report of a comprehensive study regarding the influence of the serial repitching of Saccharomyces pastorianus TUM 34/70 on the composition of a barley, buckwheat or quinoa fermentation medium. In particular, it focuses on the production dynamics of important volatile compounds typically associated with the aroma of beer. Samples were taken every 24 h after 11 serial repitchings of a single starter culture, analysed for the particular aroma compound content by distillation followed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. The term ‘serial repitching factor’ is used for the first time to support the visual evaluation of the influence of serial repitching. Results showed that the levels of methanol in the quinoa wort fermentation were only slightly higher than in barley and in practical terms independent of successive fermentation. The behaviour of acetaldehyde in quinoa was similar to that in barley. However, there was a final 2‐fold lower production of some important aroma compounds compared with barley and buckwheat and for this reason quinoa cannot be recommended as a gluten‐free substitute to produce a bottom‐fermented beer. Regarding the buckwheat wort fermentation, a 2‐ to 3‐times lower final acetaldehyde content than in barley is desirable, whereas a relatively high methanol content is not desirable. Barley and buckwheat showed comparable sum concentrations and similar overall profiles of some important aroma compounds. From this perspective, buckwheat appears to be a promising substitute for barley as a brewing raw material. The overall conclusions of our comprehensive study (Parts I–III) are that buckwheat shows adequate brewing properties to substitute for barley in the commercial preparation of a bottom‐fermented gluten‐free beer‐like beverage, and yeast can be repitched at least 11 times. In contrast, quinoa in practical terms shows no substitutional potential for barley in beer; however, it has many nutritious advantages, thus the commercial preparation of a unique, bottom‐fermented gluten‐free ‘non‐beer‐like’ beverage – where the yeast could be repitched six times at most – appears feasible. Copyright © 2015 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Analysis of characteristic aroma of fungal fermented Fuzhuan brick‐tea by gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometry

Fuzhuan brick‐tea is a popular fermented Chinese dark tea because of its typical fungal aroma. Fungal growth during the production process is the key step in achieving the unique colour, aroma and taste of Fuzhuan brick‐tea. To further understand the generation of the characteristic aroma, changes in the main volatile compounds of Fuzhuan brick‐tea during the fungal growth stage were studied by gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometry. The results showed that the content of volatile compounds, especially aldehyde compounds with stale aroma such as (E)‐2‐pentenal, (E)‐2‐hexenal, 1‐penten‐3‐ol, (E, E)‐2,4‐heptadienal and (E, Z)‐2,4‐heptadienal, increased significantly in fermented tea samples. The concentration of terpene alcohols with flower aroma also increased notably during the fermentation process. The compounds with stale and flower aromas in combination with some volatile components of the raw material contributed to the characteristic ‘fungal/flower’ aroma of Fuzhuan brick‐tea. Microbial metabolism during the fermentation process probably played the key role in the generation of characteristic aromatic compounds of Fuzhuan brick‐tea. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Influence of pH and ethanol on malolactic fermentation and volatile aroma compound composition in white wines

The present study investigated the influences of pH and ethanol on malolactic fermentation (MLF) and the volatile aroma profile of the subsequent white wines from Riesling and Chardonnay inoculated with two different Oenococcus oeni strains. In all cases MLF was induced after completion of alcoholic fermentation (AF). Partial MLF occurred under low pH 3.2 and high alcohol (118.3 g/L) conditions. In the cases with complete MLF, the time required for each strain varied from 13 to 61 days and was dependent on bacterial culture, cultivar and wine parameter. Chemical properties of each wine were determined after AF, complete and partial MLF. The wines showed significant differences in total higher alcohols, esters and acids that are important for the sensory profile and quality of wine. This work demonstrated that the wine matrix as well as the pH and alcohol concentration affects MLF and the final volatile aroma profile. Results indicate that changes in volatile aroma composition are not necessarily related to complete MLF and that partial MLF already has distinct influences on the wine aroma profile of white wines.     

Low‐temperature wine‐making using yeast immobilized on pear pieces

A biocatalyst was prepared by the immobilization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae AXAZ‐1 yeast cells on pear pieces and tested for grape must fermentation in both batch and continuous conditions. The immobilized yeast cells were stable and active even at low temperatures (<10 °C). Wine production under batch fermentation at 8 °C was completed within 15 days while at 3 °C it took 36 days. In continuous fermentation, the bioreactor was operated for 33 days, then stored for 12 days at 10 °C, and re‐run for another 15 days without any diminution of the ethanol productivity. Total acidity of the produced wines remained within the ranges usually observed in dry wines, while volatile acidity was found in rather increased levels. The concentrations of higher alcohols (1‐propanol, isobutyl alcohol and amyl alcohols) were relatively low, while ethyl acetate was detected at up to 118 mg l^?1, contributing to the fruity aroma of the wines produced. Preliminary sensory evaluations carried out in the laboratory indicated the fine quality of the produced wines. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Changes in volatile compound composition of Antrodia camphorata during solid state fermentation

BACKGROUND: Although the volatiles present in mushrooms and fungi have been investigated by many researchers, including Antrodia camphorata in submerged fermentation, there are few data available regarding changes in volatile compounds during fermentation. Our research has revealed that solid state fermentation of A. camphorata is highly odiferous compared with submerged cultures and the odor changed with increasing culture time. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate the changes in volatile compound composition of A. camphorata during solid state fermentation. RESULTS: Altogether, 124 major volatile compounds were identified. The volatile compounds produced by A. camphorata during growth in solid state fermentation were quite different. Oct‐1‐en‐3‐ol, octan‐3‐one and methyl 2‐phenylacetate were predominant in exponential growth phase production, while the dominant volatiles produced in stationary phase were octan‐3‐one and methyl 2‐phenylacetate. In stationary phase, lactone compounds in A. camphorata, such as 5‐butyloxolan‐2‐one, 5‐heptyloxolan‐2‐one, 6‐heptyloxan‐2‐one, contributed greatly to peach and fruit‐like flavor. Terpene and terpene alcohol compounds, such as 1‐terpineol, L ‐linalool, T‐cadinol, (E, E)‐farnesol, β‐elemene, cis‐α‐bisabolene and α‐muurolene, made different contributions to herbal fresh aroma in A. camphorata. Nineteen volatile sesquiterpenes were detected from solid state fermentation of A. camphorata. The compounds 5‐n‐butyl‐5H‐furan‐2‐one, β‐ionone, (?)‐caryophyllene oxide, aromadendrene oxide, diepi‐α‐cedrene epoxide, β‐elemene, α‐selinene, α‐muurolene, azulene, germacrene D, γ‐cadinene and 2‐methylpyrazine have not hitherto been reported in A. camphorata. CONCLUSION: The preliminary results suggest that the aroma‐active compounds produced by A camphorata in solid state fermentation might serve as an important source of natural aroma compounds for the food and cosmetic industries or antibiotic activity compounds. The sesquiterpenes could be identified as possible taxonomic markers for A. camphorata. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Screening of new strains of Saccharomycodes ludwigii and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii to produce low‐alcohol beer

Low‐alcohol beer (0.5–1.2% v/v ethanol) is a less common brewing industry output than standard beer but there is an increasing interest in this product, as evidenced by increased attention to health and safety and government policies on alcohol and diet. The main challenge in the production of low‐alcohol beer is the achievement of a product as similar as possible to regular beer, particularly concerning the content of the volatile compounds. These compounds can be lost during the physical removal of alcohol by dialysis, reverse osmosis and vacuum rectification. Consequently, an alternative technique is the use of biological methods, which involve the employment of non‐conventional yeasts. In this paper, 11 non‐conventional yeast strains were tested for low‐alcohol beer production. The strains used belonged to two different species: Saccharomycodes ludwigii and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii. The beer samples produced by these strains were analysed for their ethanol content and main volatile compounds. The S. ludwigii strains were more suitable for brewing low‐alcohol beer, especially strain DBVPG 3010, which also showed a higher content of esters and a lower amount of diacetyl compared with previous reports. The Z. rouxii strains produced an ethanol and diacetyl content above the taste threshold. This screening project can be considered as a first step towards the production of low‐alcohol beer by means of new selected non‐conventional yeasts. Copyright © 2015 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Production of an Alcoholic Beverage by Fermentation of Whey Permeate with Kluyveromyces fragilis II: Aroma Composition

Whey permeate was used for an alcoholic fermentation with Kluyveromyces fragilis (CECT 1123). The aim of the present study was the production of an alcoholic beverage of low alcoholic proof with acceptable concentrations of fusel alcohols. The effects of temperature and agitation on the concentration of volatile compounds was assayed in batch cultures. In addition, the production of acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate and fusel alcohols was studied in continuous culture because of interest in a continuous industrial process. Final concentrations of fusel alcohol were slightly lower at higher temperatures, while the specific production rate increased with temperature. Concentrations were suitable, in all cases, for a beverage. When agitation was assayed, an important increase in fusel alcohol concentrations was found at higher agitations. In continuous culture, the acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate and fusel alcohol concentrations were normal for an alcoholic beverage.     

Microbial ecology studies of spontaneous fermentation: starter culture selection for prickly pear wine production

Abstract: A procedure for designing starter cultures for fermentation is illustrated for prickly pear wine production. The illustration includes kinetic studies on inoculated and spontaneous fermentation, microorganism identification studies based on molecular biology tools, and microbial ecology studies, which led to the selection of strains that are capable of synthesizing alcohol and desirable volatile compounds. Results show that a mixed starter inoculum containing Pichia fermentans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae leads to a fermented product that contains 8.37% alcohol (v/v). The gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis shows the presence of 9 major volatile compounds (Isobutanol, Isopentanol, Ethyl acetate, Isoamyl acetate, Ethyl octanoate, Ethyl decanoate, Ethyl 9‐decanoate, β‐Phenylethyl acetate, and Phenylethyl alcohol) that have ethereal, fruity, aromatic notes that are considered to be essential for a fine wine flavor. These compounds harmonically synergize with the alcohol to produce a fermented product with a unique flavor and taste. Several assays using the mixed culture show that the process is stable, predictable, controllable, and reproducible. Moreover, the results show that a mixed culture leads to a broader range of aromatic products than that produced by a single, pure culture. Therefore, we conclude that combinations of Saccharomyces strains and non‐Saccharomyces strains can be used to obtain high‐quality fermented beverages from prickly pear juice.     

Influence of hop harvest date of the ‘Mandarina Bavaria’ hop variety on the sensory evaluation of dry‐hopped top‐fermented beer

To impart a special hop aroma to beer, dry‐hopping is a technique that is becoming more and more popular with commercial breweries. Nevertheless, until now little was known about the factors that influence the reproducibility (and consistent product quality) of dry‐hopping with flavour varieties. One factor that could influence the sensory impressions and aroma profile compositions of dry‐hopped beers is the hop harvest date. Therefore, to determine the effects of different harvest dates of the flavour variety ‘Mandarina Bavaria’ on the aroma of top‐fermented beer, laboratory‐scale dry‐hopping trials were performed. Besides tasting sessions of brewed beers, relative quantities of selected hop‐derived, as well as beer‐originated aroma compounds, were investigated by headspace–solid‐phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Duo–trio tests between the beers hopped with pellets of different harvest dates showed no significant differences (α = 0.05) between them. In addition, these beers had similar profiles in a five‐point profile tasting scheme. On the other hand, relative concentrations of some hop‐derived aroma compounds – especially myrcene, which is known to be able to contribute to beer flavour – increased corresponding to a later harvest date, while beer originated volatiles were not different between the beers. Analytical results combined with the results of sensory evaluations led to the conclusion that the harvest date of Mandarina Bavaria was not a dominant factor in the dry‐hopping aroma of top‐fermented beers. High amounts of fermentation by‐products are likely responsible for masking effects resulting in no sensory distinctness between the samples with different hop aroma compound concentrations. Copyright © 2016 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Microbial succession and metabolite changes during the fermentation of Chinese light aroma‐style liquor

A combination of culture‐dependent and culture‐independent methods and SPME–GC–MS were used to monitor changes of bacterial and yeast communities, and flavour compounds during the fermentation process of Chinese light aroma‐style liquor. Bacillus and Lactobacillus were the main bacterial genera. Pichia anomala, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Issatchenkia orientalis were the dominant yeast species. There was a close relationship between fermentation time and the shift of microbial community. Compared with the microbiota in the fermentation of other style liquors, higher bacterial diversity and different non‐Saccharomyces composition led to a variety of metabolites. Metabolite analysis showed that esters, acids, alcohols, aromatic compounds and phenols were the main flavour components and most of them were synthesised in the latter phase of fermentation. Principal component analysis further demonstrated that Bacillus and yeast were the most influential microorganisms in the first 10 days of fermentation, and lactic acid bacteria predominated in the later phase. Lactic acid bacteria regulated the composition of other bacteria and yeast, and synthesised flavour compounds to affect the organoleptic properties of liquor. S. cerevisiae and P. anomala were two important yeast species responsible for the characteristic aroma of liquor. These results present a comprehensive understanding of microbial interaction and potential starter cultures to produce desirable liquor quality. © 2018 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Effect of meat washing on the development of impact odorants in fish miso prepared from spotted mackerel

BACKGROUND: Miso, a fermented soybean paste prepared using koji (rice malt inoculated with Aspergillus oryzae) has been commonly used as a traditional seasoning for several centuries in East Asian countries. A miso‐like fermented product was prepared using washed and unwashed meats of spotted mackerel (Scomber australasicus) with improved food functionality and aroma attributes. The evolution of aroma‐active volatiles was further evaluated during the early stages of maturation. RESULTS: The newly developed fermented product was rich in flavor. The product was found to contain 98 volatile compounds, including aldehydes, alcohols, esters, ketones, furans, sulfur‐ and nitrogen‐containing compounds, aromatics, and acids. Koji enzymes efficiently hydrolyzed protein and carbohydrate substrates in both the unwashed and washed fish meats. Significantly higher enzyme activities were observed when the unwashed meat was used as a raw material rather than when washed meat was used. The substrate specificity of koji enzymes plays an important role in the formation of volatile compounds. CONCLUSION: The results confirmed that meat washing can reduce the levels of certain aldehydes, ketones, and nitrogen‐containing compounds, and can thereby provide a pleasant aroma by reducing fishy odor in the finished product. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Characterization of volatile compounds in Fen‐Daqu – a traditional Chinese liquor fermentation starter

Fen‐Daqu is a saccharifying agent and fermentation starter for the production of Chinese liquor Fen (alcoholic spirit) and Fen traditional vinegar. The volatile compounds produced at seven incubation steps were analysed by HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS. A total of 83 major volatile compounds were identified, including 23 esters, 8 acids, 24 alcohols, 18 ketones and aldehydes, 6 pyrazines and 4 acetals. Data obtained by HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS were subjected to principal component analysis. The trajectory plots of volatile compounds in Fen‐Daqu samples obtained during successive steps of incubation were revealed. The major compounds that contributed to discrimination were hexanal, (E)‐2‐octenal, (Z)‐2‐octen‐1‐ol, nonanoic acid, 1‐octanol, 2‐decen‐1‐ol, hexyl acetate, (E)‐2‐octen‐1‐ol, acetic acid, ethyl acetate, phenylethyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, octanoic acid, 1‐octanol, 3‐methyl‐2‐buten‐1‐ol and pyrazines. Copyright © 2012 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Effects of the cultivation period of sweet potato on the sensory quality of imo‐shochu,a Japanese traditional spirit

Imo‐shochu is a Japanese traditional spirit made from sweet potatoes. Characteristic volatile compounds in imo‐shochu are mainly derived from the sweet potato and its flavour significantly depends on the quality and cultivar of sweet potato used. Thus, the effects of the cultivation period of sweet potatoes on sensory characteristics and composition of volatile compounds of imo‐shochu were investigated. Sweet potatoes (cv. Koganesengan) used in this study were harvested at 120, 150 or 180 days after planting, and each sample was used to prepare imo‐shochu. The imo‐shochu samples were evaluated by eight panellists in a blind study, who ranked them on the basis of various odour and taste attributes. Rank sums were calculated and data were analysed using the Friedman test. The compositions of the volatile compounds in the imo‐shochu samples were analysed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Sensory evaluations showed that a longer cultivation period of the sweet potatoes enhanced the floral aroma and characteristic taste of imo‐shochu. In addition, imo‐shochu prepared with the sample cultivated for 150 days was evaluated to have a sweeter taste than that prepared with the other samples. The GC‐MS analysis showed that imo‐shochu prepared with the sample cultivated for 180 days contained a lower concentration of monoterpene alcohols, but higher concentrations of β‐damascenone, rose oxide, and fatty acid esters than the imo‐shochu prepared with the sample cultivated for 120 days. These differences in the composition of the volatile compounds affected the sensory qualities of the imo‐shochu. Copyright © 2016 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling