Spirit Analyses

Analytical Packages

We have state-of-the-art analytical equipment and extensive experience in developing new analytical methods. Please contact us if you require analysis that is not listed. Analyses offered for spirits and spirit-based ready-to-drink beverages can be found in the following drop down menus.

Basic

Parameter - Method - Price

pH^* - Electrochemistry - $7

Brix - Refractometer - $7

Density/Specific Gravity^* - Digital Density Meter - $7

Conductivity^* - Electrochemistry - $7

Turbidity^* - Nephelometer - $7

^{*= Accredited Test}

Alcohols Analyses

Alcohol^*

Parameters: Alcohol by volume

Method: Anton Paar Alcolyzer

Price: $28

Alcohol - Cream Liqueur

Parameters: Alcohol by volume - cream liqueurs

Method: Skalar Segmented Flow Analysis

Price: $28

Methanol^*

Parameters: Methanol

Method: GC-FID

Price: $55

Alcohols Profile^*

Parameters: Acetaldehyde, Ethyl acetate, Methanol

Method: GC-FID

Price: $83

Higher Alcohols^*

Parameters: Acetaldehyde, Ethyl acetate, Methanol, 1-Butanl, 1-Propanol, Isobutanol, Isoamyl alcohol, Ethyl lactate

Method: GC-FID

Price: $193

^{*=Accredited Test}

Acids Analyses

Organic Acid Profile

Parameters: Oxalic, tartaric, malic, lactic, acetic, citric, succinic acids

Method: HPLC-UV-VIS

Price: $50

Single Organic Acid

Parameter: One of the above listed organic acids (e.g. malic, acetic)

Method: HPLC-UV-VIS

Price: $28

Volatile Acidity^*

Parameter: Volatile acidity

Method: Skalar - Segmented Flow Analysis

Price: $28

Sorbic Acid^*

Parameter: Sorbic Acid

Method: HPLC-UV-VIS

Price: $22

^{*= Accredited Test}

Sugars Analyses

Sugars Profile^*

Parameters: Glycerol, Fructose, Glucose, Sucrose, Maltose, and Lactose

Method: HPLC-RI

Price: $44

Total Reducing Sugar^*

Parameters: Total reducing sugar reported in g/L sucrose

Method: Skalar Segmented Flow Analysis

Price: $28

^{*=Accredited Test}

Metals Analysis

Metals^*

Parameters: Arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, copper, and lead

Method: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Price: $94

If samples are not to be provided in their final packaging, please use new, clean, plastic containers.

^{*= Accredited Test}

Ethyl Carbamate

Ethyl Carbamate^*

Parameters: Ethyl Carbamate (Urethane)

Method: GC-MS-MS

Price: $143

Ethyl carbamate is a spontaneously forming compound that has been deemed carcinogenic by Health Canada

Please allow a 10 day turn around time for this analysis.

^{*= Accredited Test}

Synthetic Dyes

Synthetic Dyes^*

Parameters: Indigo carmine, tartrazine, allura red, amaranth, sunset yellow, fast green, brilliant blue, erythrosin B

Method: HPLC-UV-Vis

Price: $66

Health Canada permits the above listed synthetic dyes in unstandardized alcoholic beverages

^{*=Accredited Test}

Caffeine

Parameters: Caffeine

Method: HPLC-DAD

Price: $53

Calories and Carbohydrates

Parameters: Calories, Carbohydrates, Alcohol by Volume

Method: Skalar Segmented Flow Analysis - Total Reducing Sugar; Alcolyzer (NIR/DMA) - Alcohol, Real Extract, Sugar-free Extract; AOAC methods for Calories, Carbohydrates, and Ash.

Price: $94

Note: Not available for cream-based samples

Colour Profile

Parameters: Absorbance at 445nm, 530nm, and 620nm.

Method: Spectrophotometer

Price: $17

How to Submit Samples

Step 1: Complete the Sample Submission form on pages 1 & 2 (either by hand or in Acrobat).

Wine/Grape/Cider/Mead

Beer & Hops

Spirits

Beverages (Non-standard Alcoholic and non-alcoholic) & Food

Step 2: Print the completed form and place inside a suitable shipping box containing the sample(s). Juice or samples that are fermenting must be shipped/delivered on ice. If shipping, ensure samples are well padded to prevent breakage.

Step 3: Clearly label the sample(s) with the type of product and a number (ex: dark rum, #001).

Note: a minimum of 150 mL of each sample is required. Please ensure that all submitted samples are homogeneous and representative, clearly labelled and placed in new or clean, dry plastic or glass bottles (note: containers may have held water). Please see sample submission forms for full requirements.

Step 4: Mail or drop off the sample(s) – please email ahead of time if dropping off samples.

Step 5: Drop off at David Huestis Innovation Pavilion (between 9:00 and 4:30, or by special arrangements)

3pm cutoff for Grape Ripening Analysis

Enter main doors of Elliott Hall (6 University Ave.). Take the stairs on the left to the second floor McCain Commons. Cross the walkway to Room 249 (alab). If no one is there, leave the package outside the lab – please email alab@acadiau.ca or text 902-698-1012 to notify the lab technician that it has been left.