Authentication of Pisco: From origin to alcohol content with Raman

Raman spectroscopy is emerging as a rapid, portable tool to test premium liquors for evidence of adulteration or substitution –problems relevant in the rising production of pisco in Peru, where the liquor must originate from specific grape varieties and regions. Here we demonstrate the ability of 1064 Raman to distinguish pure pisco from mixtures, identify the specific grape variety, and quantify both ethanol and methanol content with a high degree of accuracy – thus validating origin, quality, and safety.

Raman spectroscopy is emerging as a rapid, portable tool to test premium liquors for evidence of adulteration or substitution –problems relevant in the rising production of pisco in Peru, where the liquor must originate from specific grape varieties and regions. Here we demonstrate the ability of 1064 Raman to distinguish pure pisco from mixtures, identify the specific grape variety, and quantify both ethanol and methanol content with a high degree of accuracy – thus validating origin, quality, and safety.