Influence of ethanol concentration, addition of spices extract, and level of sweetness on physico-chemical characteristics and sensory quality of apple vermouth

The composition of apple base wine was found to be suitable for conversion into vermouth. The spices extract contained more TSS, tannins, esters, volatile acid but lower titrable acid than apple base wine. To optimize and develop apple vermouth with different ethanol concentrations (12%, 15%, 18%), sugar content (4%, 8%) and spices extract (2.5% and 5.0%) was prepared and was evaluated. Significant differences in physico-chemical characteristics and sensory quality amongst the vermouths having different levels of alcohol, sugar and spices extract were noted. Generally, increasing ethanol content decreased titrable acidity, tannins, macroelements and colour units while micro-elements, viscosity and total esters were increased. Increased sugar level affected TSS, apparent viscosity, pH, esters, free aldehyde, total sugar, K, Cu and Mn contents. Level of spices extract (2.5 & 5.0) did not effect TSS (ºB), titrable acidity, colour, total sugar, total tannins, volatile acidity, increased mineral contents except for K, esters and aldehyde contents. Increase in alcohol content upto 15% increased the sensory score of the product. Increased quantity of spices extract, however, decreased the mean sensory quality of vermouth. However, sensory scores for 4 or 8% sugar and 2.5 or, 5.0% spices extracted were similar. A product with 15% alcohol, 4% sugar and 2.5% spices extract was preferred the most in overall sensory quality. The studies revealed that apple fruit is suitable for making vermouth by the method described. The spices, herbs, their parts and the quantities used are also reported.