Chemo-sensory characterization of aroma active compounds of native oak wood in relation to their geographical origins.

Oak wood contains aroma-active compounds that contribute significantly to the chemical structure, olfactory and gustatory qualities of alcoholic beverages and vinegars as by-products that have been either fermented and/or aged in oak barrels. The chemical composition of cooperage oak is highly variable, depending on the degree of toasting and natural seasoning. However, it is unclear whether the odor of oak varies according to different geographical regions and pedoclimatic conditions.

Molecular and sensory characterization of odorants in Cembran pine (Pinus cembra L.) from different geographic regions.

The wood of the Cembran pine (Pinus cembra L.), also known as Swiss pine, Arolla pine or Stone pine, has a prominent and long-lasting odor which has been reported to relieve stress in humans. However, the odorants responsible for this are unknown and it is also unclear whether the odor profile depends on the origin of the trees, namely different geographical regions and pedoclimatic conditions.

Identification of odorous compounds in oak wood using odor extract dilution analysis and two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/olfactometry.

Over the centuries, oak wood has been used in the maturation process of alcoholic beverages imparting aroma and flavor notes. Whereas several studies have dealt with the impact of oak wood on the chemical composition of, for example, wine aroma, only limited information is available on the odorant composition of unmodified and raw oak wood itself. To close this gap, a combination of human sensory and chemo-analytical techniques was applied for the elucidation of the chemical composition of oak odor, comprising extraction of the volatile fraction of oak wood by means of solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) and subsequent mild concentration of the distillate.

Unexpected impact of 2-methylisoborneol as off-odour substance in aged wines.

Four Pinot noir wines from Burgundy were investigated by gas chromatography-olfactometry, with regard to the presence of earthy-smelling compounds. 2-Methylisoborneol (2-MIB) was detected in two of these wines, although the samples were seven years old, contradicting previous reports that this substance is unstable in wine and must. In order to investigate this seemingly paradoxical situation, 2-MIB stability was reinvestigated in wine and in model solution starting with an elevated initial concentration.