Scotch Whiskies and Forensic Examinations of Manufacturing-Derived Features for Their Authentication

Area of Science:

• Food Chemistry
• Forensic Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• The global whisky market is substantial and growing, presenting significant financial incentives for fraud and adulteration.
• Forensic science plays a critical role in combating whisky-related crimes through expert analysis and testimony.
• Scotch whisky authentication requires understanding its manufacturing process, obtaining reference samples, and utilizing advanced analytical instrumentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the definition, classification, manufacturing, and adulteration/counterfeiting of Scotch whiskies.
• To focus on characterizing manufacturing-derived features and interpreting analytical findings for authentication.
• To propose a flowchart for the Scotch whisky authentication process.

Main Methods:

• Review of Scotch whisky manufacturing processes and common adulteration techniques.
• Characterization of manufacturing-derived features through various analytical approaches.
• Interpretation of analytical findings, including quantitative and qualitative analyses, chemometrics, and elemental analysis.

Main Results:

• Detailed examination of analytical methods for Scotch whisky authentication.
• Grouped analytical approaches into quantitative analysis of single compounds, qualitative analysis and intensity ratios of multiple compounds, chemometric analysis, and quantitative elemental analysis.
• Proposed a comprehensive flowchart to guide the authentication process.

Conclusions:

• Effective Scotch whisky authentication relies on a thorough understanding of its production and the strategic application of analytical chemistry techniques.
• The proposed analytical strategies and flowchart provide a framework for forensic scientists and law enforcement in combating whisky fraud.
• Continued development and application of analytical methods are essential for ensuring the integrity of the Scotch whisky market.