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Correct and accurate alcohol content measurements of spirits depend upon reliable instruments. Learn how to achieve compliant alcohol content measurements according to national standards. |
The Importance of Alcohol Content Determination in Spirits
Producers of alcoholic beverages (i.e., distillers) need to determine the alcohol content present in their products for labeling conformity, product quality, and tax purposes. The conventional and officially recognized method for determination of alcohol content is measuring density and then converting the result into alcohol concentration using alcohol tables.
Measuring Alcohol Content
Officially recognized instruments for the determination of alcohol concentration include hydrometers, pycnometers and digital density meters. Hydrometers are fairly easy to use but they are typically less accurate, while pycnometers are time consuming and require extensive user training.
Digital density meters, such as METTLER TOLEDO Excellence density meters, offer fast and accurate results and eliminate errors due to operator variability. Furthermore, the density result is automatically converted into the appropriate alcohol unit (e.g., %v/v, %w/w, proof) using built-in conversion tables (e.g., OIML, AOAC or proof).
This application note covers the most important steps for alcohol determination in spirits according to national and international standards (e.g., OIV, TTB), including sample preparation and results evaluation.
Download our free application note and benefit from our knowledge on measuring the alcohol content of spirits.
