Determination of ethanol in alcoholic drinks using Raman spectrometry

The aim of this work was to test the applicability of 'Mira DS' handheld Raman spectrometer in food analysis; namely, for the determination of ethanol in selected alcoholic drinks, such as plum brandy, vodka, two types of beer, white rum, and white wine. (Standard) Raman spectra of low-chain aliphatic alcohols and ethyl acetate were used to reveal and identify potentially interfering substances. The results obtained have shown good agreement between the ethanol content determined and the amount declared by producers. However, it was also found out that the portable device tested is not very suitable for monitoring ethanol in beer due to the presence of intensively fluorescent constituents; possible solutions of this problem being discussed and some prospects outlined