Changes in the volatile aromatic compounds and amino acid contents of distilled soju using co-fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Hanseniaspora uvarum yeasts

Abstract

This study aimed to apply the technology of increasing the volatile aromatic compounds in wine through mixed fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and non-Saccharomyces yeasts to make distilled soju. The expectation was to induce changes in metabolites such as volatile aromatic compounds before the distillation process, followed by concentrating these compounds through distillation to enhance the odor property of distilled soju. Additionally, the study aimed to examine the impact of mixed fermentation with S. cerevisiae and non-Saccharomyces yeasts on distilled soju’s free amino acid content. As a result, when Hanseniaspora uvarum yeast was used, there was an increase in the content of low molecular weight volatile aroma compounds, particularly esters. Distilled soju co-fermented with S. cerevisiae and H. uvarum SJ69 exhibited similar amino acid content to distilled soju single-fermented with S. cerevisiae. However, distilled soju co-fermented with S. cerevisiae and H. uvarum S6, a decrease in amino acid content. Sensory evaluation results indicated a higher odor score in distilled soju co-fermented with S. cerevisiae and H. uvarum S6, suggesting that the mixed fermentation technology utilizing H. uvarum could contribute to improving the quality of distilled soju in the future.