Unlocking authenticity: classifying a wood-aged spirit (cachaça) by producer, barrel type, and aging level via unique MS signatures.

Using top-quality, award-winning Brazilian cachaças from four reputable producers as a case study, we evaluated direct infusion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in the negative ion mode [DIMS(-)] for authenticating high-quality wood-aged spirits. Specifically, we investigated its ability to provide unique ionic signatures to (a) characterize aging levels, (b) identify specific producers, and (c) determine the wood types used for aging. Results show that DIMS(-) successfully distinguishes cachaça categories (white, aged, and premium) from the same producer, identical categories across different producers, and samples aged in distinct wooden barrels. Premium cachaças exhibited increasingly complex signatures due to prolonged aging, with principal component analysis (PCA) confirming the categorization's robustness. Beyond its established role in counterfeit detection, DIMS(-) provides a rapid, simple, and reliable methodology for the classification and proof of authenticity of cachaças. This approach shows strong potential for authenticating other wood-aged beverages, such as whiskies and wines.