Ethyl carbamate kinetics in double distillation of sugar cane spirit. Part 2: influence of type of pot still

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the influence of the pot still configuration on the reduction of ethyl carbamate content in double-distilled sugar cane spirit, as well as to describe the effects of double distillation on this reduction. Ethyl carbamate is a potentially carcinogenic compound that may be present in high concentrations in sugar cane spirit, and therefore could become a public health problem, as well as a factor hindering Brazilian exports of this beverage. In sugar cane spirit production in Brazil, neither pot still configuration nor distillate reflux and cooling/condensation systems are standardized. In this study, ethanol, copper and ethyl carbamate contents were assessed (GC-MS) in sugar cane spirits that were double-distilled in pot stills with different reflux and cooling systems. Double distillation removed 94–98.5% of ethyl carbamate from sugar cane spirit. Pot stills with high reflux rates (equipped with dephlegmator or rectifying system) were more effective in reducing the ethyl carbamate content in double-distilled sugar cane spirit. Copyright © 2013 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling