Diffuse-light absorption spectroscopy for beer classification and prediction of alcoholic content

A miscellaneous of 86 beers was characterized by non-destructive, fast and reagent-free optical measurements. Diffuselight absorption spectroscopy performed in the visible and near-infrared bands was used to gather a turbidity-free spectroscopic information. Also, conventional turbidity and refractive index measurements were added for completing the optical characterization. The near-infrared spectra provided a straightforward turbidity-free assessment of the alcoholic strength. Then, the entire optical data set was processed by means of multivariate analysis looking for a beer clustering according to the own character and identity. Good results were achieved, indicating that optical methods can be successfully used for beer authentication.

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