The test allows to measure alcohol by volume (ABV) in beer, which is an important quality parameter.
Features and Benefits of the determination of Alcohol by Volume in Beer with CDR BeerLab®
- the Method is simpler and faster than reference methods (hydrostatic balance)
- it does not need specific laboratory facilities, nor the dexterity of chemical analyst experts
- the results are correlated with the reference methods
- the test features high reliability and repeatability
- it has specific calibration for non-alcoholic beers and low alcohol beers
The analysis with CDR BeerLab® facilitates very much carrying out the quality control related to alcohol content in the beer produced.
The systems to test Alcohol by Volume (ABV) in beer
Alcohol by Volume can be measured using CDR BeerLab®, a system which enables you to carry out a wide panel of chemical analyses on beer and water, using a single instrument, in a process that is faster and simpler than traditional methods.
With CDR BeerLab® brewers and breweries of any size can independently carry out brewing process controls without having to rely on external laboratories.
 CDR BEERLAB® |
 CDR BEERLAB® JUNIOR |
|
|---|---|---|
| Analyses |
Beer, Wort and Water: Bitterness (IBU) Fermentable Sugars Alcohol by Volume (ABV) Acetic acid Yeast Vitality Vicinal Diketons (VDKs) Total sulfur dioxide Free Amino Nitrogen by OPA (FAN) Colour Starch pH Lactic Acid (D + L) Polyphenols in beer Carbohydrates in Beer Alkalinity of water Bicarbonate in Water Calcium in Water Zinc in Water Sulfate in Water Magnesium in Water Potassium in Water Chloride in Water |
Configuration with tailored panel of analyses |
| Simultaneous Sample Analyses | 16 | 3 |
| Multiple Analyses on a Sample |  |
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Check out how to test Alcohol by Volume in Beer with CDR BeerLab®
Method
Test type: End Point.
Time testing: 6 minutes.
Are possible test sessions with several samples, up to 16 tests for CDR BeerLab® and 3 tests for CDR BeerLab® Junior.
Correlation with reference methods
Samples were analysed for Alcohol using both the CDR BeerLab® and the UKAS accredited gas chromatography (GC) method (Campden BRI Method AM/0 18 based on IOB Methods of Analysis, 1997, 9.10).
The international reference analysis laboratory Campden BRI in its report says “Statistical analysis suggested that in the majority of cases and based on current data there is no statistically significant evidence for a difference in alcohol measurements for beer when using the CDR BeerLab® versus the reference methods.”
Specific calibration for non-alcoholic beers and low alcohol beers
Samples were tested in the laboratory of QCL (CDR distibutor for UK) with the CDR BeerLab® and reference analysis was performed by Campden BRI, innovation, research and technology centre for the food and drinks industry. The table below compares ABV results from the CDR BeerLab® and Campden BRI with the values on the label.
The CDR BeerLab® results show very close agreement with the reference method across the range of samples. It is notable from these results that many of the beers have a higher ABV than the packaging suggests. This study demonstrates that the CDR BeerLab® is a reliable and accurate instrument for the measurement of ABV for low and no alcohol beers.
Download Testing Low/No Alcohol Beers written by QCL
Test Principle
Ethanol, in an alkaline environment, is oxidized through an enzymatic reaction and converted in acetic aldehyde in presence of NAD+, which in turns produces NADH. The increase of the absorbance, measured at 366 nm (end-point), is proportional to the concentration of ethanol in the sample.
Reagent test Kits
The reagents are packaged in foil pouches containing 10 tubes useful to perform 10 analyses.
This is the minimum package that allows the use of CDR systems even to those who need to make a few analyses, thus not wasting reagents.
There are also boxes of 100 tests, however, packaged in 10 bags of 10 tubes containing the reagent.
Code *300740 – The kit, designed for 100 tests.
Code *300735 – The kit, designed for 10 tests.
The reagents have a shelf-life of 6 months.
Processing of Sample
Use on beer or wort. Make a dilution of the sample 1:100, for which you can use the dedicated kit. The beer sample needs to be degassed (we recommend to use an ultrasonic bath) before making the dilution. For higher accuracy in the analysis of wort we recommend to centrifuge the sample.
Measuring Range
| Test | Measuring Range | Resolution | Repeatability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol by volume [1-10] % | 1 - 10 %vol | 0.1 %vol | 0.1 %vol |
| Alcohol by volume [9-17] % | 9 - 17 %vol | 0.1 %vol | 0.2 %vol |
| Alcohol by volume [0.1-1] % | 0.1 - 1 %vol | 0.01 %vol | 0.01 %vol |
| Alcohol by volume [0.002-0.2] % | 0.002 - 0.2 %vol | 0.001 %vol | 0.001 %vol |
