Multivariate analysis for the characterization of physico-chemical profiles of cachaça produced in copper stills over a period of six years in Minas Gerais state

Abstract

Cachaça, a traditional, popular Brazilian alcoholic drink, is increasingly appreciated in many countries. In Brazil, it is the most extensively consumed alcoholic beverage and it has great relevance for agribusiness in the country, especially for the state of Minas Gerais, which is the main centre for the production of alambic cachaça. Thus, attempts to standardize techniques in the production chain of the beverage have been made to maintain the quality required by law. The physico‐chemical profile of cachaça produced in copper stills in different cities of Minas Gerais, Brazil over the years 2006–2011 was determined by applying principal component analysis (PCA). According to the physico‐chemical data, 61.5–77.9% of the samples were within the boundaries of standards identity and quality established by Brazilian legislation. According to the PCA, the composition of the cachaça produced in Minas Gerais between the years 2006 and 2011 was homogeneous.