A New Approach to Ethanol Measurement in Alcoholic Beverages. W. J. Criddle and K. W. Parry, School of Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, University of Wales College of Cardiff, Cardiff, U.K., and T. P. Jones, Lion Laboratories Ltd., Barry, S. Glamorgan, U.K.. J. Am. Soc. Brew. Chem. 47:0001, 1989.

This paper describes the use of a fuel cell sensor combined with dynamic headspace analysis as the basis of a new method for the determination of ethanol in alcoholic beverages. The success of the procedure has led to the production of a commercially available instrument for ethanol measurement, specifically targeted at the alcoholic beverage industry. This instrument, the Lion Laboratories Ltd. Drinks Alcolmeter DA-1, is a portable unit capable of continuous operation for up to 8 hr using integral, rechargeable batteries and has a precision better than ± 1% of the displayed value.

Keywords: Fuel cell, Ethanol measurement, Headspace analysis