A comparison of the influence of eight commercial yeast strains on the chemical and sensory profiles of freshly distilled Chinese brandy

The current study examined eight commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains Lalvin ICV‐D80, Lalvin FC9 EDV, Lalvin QA23, Lalvin RHST, Uvaferm 43, Enoferm Burgundy (BGY), Lalvin EC1118 and Lalvin M69] for their influence on young brandies, with a special emphasis on chemical, volatile and sensory characteristics. Results of the chemical analysis of the fermented wines showed that all of the strains exhibited a similar performance for ethanol production, but titratable acidity was more variable, with the highest being found in the yeast BGY‐derived wine and the lowest in the yeast QA23‐derived wine. Spirits produced using yeast FC9 EDV showed a significantly higher content of volatile alcohols, esters and acids, and conveyed to the brandy typical fruity and rosy notes. Brandies derived using yeast Uvaferm 43 presented the highest content of total benzene compounds and this brandy was characterized by rosy and onion attributes. Higher levels of varietal compounds and a medium rosy and slightly acidic and rancid nuances were produced when yeast QA23 was used. When using principal component analysis to classify the samples, there were four groups: group 1 ( ICV‐D80, Uvaferm 43 and BGY), group 2 (FC9 EDV), group 3 (QA23, RHST and EC1118) and group 4 (M69). This work sheds some light on the flavour complexity owing to the use of different commercial yeasts and provides useful information for the brandy‐maker regarding the choice of yeast for the fermentation based on the volatile profile. Copyright © 2012 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling