The effects of the cherry variety on the chemical and sensorial characteristics of cherry brandy

The chemical and sensorial characteristics of cherry brandy produced from five cherry varieties (Oblacinska, Celery's 16, Rexle, Heiman's Ruby and Heiman's Conserve) grown in Serbia were studied. Gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of these distillates led to the identification of 32 components, including 20 esters, benzaldehyde, 6 terpenes and 5 acids. The ethyl esters of C8-C18 acids were the most abundant in all samples. The benzaldehyde content was quantified by high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. The average benzaldehyde concentration in the samples ranged between 2.1 and 24.1 mg L-1. The total sensory scores of the cherry brandies ranged between 17.30 to 18.05, with the cherry brandy produced from the Celery's 16 variety receiving the highest score (18.05).