Impact of swallowing on the dynamics of aroma release and perception during the consumption of alcoholic beverages

Abstract

The consumption protocol used during alcoholic beverage tasting may affect aroma perception. We used an integrated approach combining sensory analysis and physicochemistry to investigate the impact of swallowing on aroma release and perception. A panel of 10 persons evaluated the dynamics of aroma perception during the consumption of a commercial flavored vodka, using the method of temporal dominance of sensations. Two protocols (spitting out or swallowing of the product) were tested. Nosespace analysis was simultaneously carried out by proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry to evaluate aroma release in the nasal cavity. Comparison of the results obtained with the 2 protocols highlighted significant differences in both the perception and the release of aroma: the swallowing of the product resulted in more complex perceptions but decreased the dominance rates of aromatic attributes. Ethanol perception also had an impact when the product was swallowed. Aroma release data partly accounted for the differences in perception, particularly as concerned ethanol release. The time at which dominance appears as well as the dominance duration of some attributes can be related to some temporal parameters of release data. But the lack of knowledge concerning the variety and complexity of mechanisms continues to limit our understanding of relationship between aroma release and perception. © The Author 2011. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.