Sensory screening for large-format natural corks by "dry soak" testing and its correlation to headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) releasable trichloroanisole (TCA) analysis.
Large-format natural corks were individually screened for trichloroanisole (TCA) taint and other non-characteristic cork odors by smelling the high relative humidity headspace of the jarred closure during expert panel sensory sessions. The method was coined "dry soak sensory screening". Out of a population of 2296 corks, 138 specimens [6% of the total population (TP)] were retained because of unusual odors, ranging from mild to severe. All retained corks were analyzed for releasable TCA (RTCA) by the solid-phase microextraction (SPME) gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) technique. Results indicated that 30 corks (1.3% TP) had concentrations between 1.0 and 5.0 ppt. Most of these corks had non-typical TCA odors described as ashtray, musty, moldy, dirty, and wet cardboard. A total of 13 retained corks (0.57% TP) had RTCA values higher than 5.0 ppt, mostly displaying the typical TCA odor. Dry soak screening has been determined to be a clean, fast, and most importantly, a nondestructive method ideal for screening large-format natural corks with off odors.
Macku
Carlos
C
Cork Supply USA, 531 Stone Road, Benicia, California 94510, USA. cmacku@corksupplyusa.com
Gonzalez
Lesa
L
Schleussner
Christiane
C
Mesquita
Ana Cristina
AC
Herwatt
James W
JW
Kirch
Leonard C
LC
Schwartz
Rob J
RJ
D000840:Anisoles / Q000032:analysis*; D018857:Food Packaging / Q000295:instrumentation; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D009812:Odorants / Q000032:analysis*; D024301:Plant Bark / Q000737:chemistry*; D029963:Quercus; D014920:Wine / Q000032:analysis
D000840:Anisoles; C110228:2,4,6-trichloroanisole