Commission Regulation (EC) No 2870/2000 of 19 December 2000 laying down Community reference methods for the analysis of spirits drinks (c. 2870)

ANNEX U.K.

I. DETERMINATION OF ALCOHOLIC STRENGTH BY VOLUME OF SPIRIT DRINKS U.K.

Introduction U.K.

The reference method includes two Appendices:

Appendix I

:

Preparation of distillate

Appendix II

:

Measurement of density of distillate

1. Scope U.K.

The method is suitable for the determination of the real alcoholic strength by volume of spirit drinks.

2. Normative References U.K.

ISO 3696:1987: Water for analytical laboratory use — Specifications and test methods.

3. Terms and Definitions U.K.

3.1. Reference temperature: U.K.

The reference temperature for the determination of alcoholic strength by volume, density and specific gravity of spirit drinks is 20 °C.

Note 1: U.K.

The term ‘at t °C’ is reserved for all determinations (of density or alcoholic strength by volume) expressed at a temperature other than the reference temperature of 20 °C. U.K.

3.2. Density: U.K.

The density is the mass per unit volume in vacuo of spirit drinks at 20 °C. It is expressed in kilograms per cubic metre and its symbol is ρ_{20 °C} or ρ₂₀.

3.3. Specific gravity: U.K.

The specific gravity is the ratio, expressed as a decimal number, of the density of spirit drinks at 20 °C to the density of water at the same temperature. It is denoted by the symbol d_{20 °C/20 °C} or d_20/20, or simply d when there is no possibility of confusion. The characteristic that was measured must be specified on the assay certificate using the above-defined symbols only.

Note 2: U.K.

It is possible to obtain the specific gravity from the density ρ₂₀ at 20 °C: or where 998,203 is the density of water at 20 °C. U.K.

3.4. Real alcoholic strength by volume: U.K.

The real alcoholic strength by volume of spirit drinks is equal to the number of litres of ethyl alcohol contained in 100 l of a water-alcohol mixture having the same density as the alcohol or spirit after distillation. The reference values for alcoholic strength by volume (% vol) at 20 °C versus density at 20 °C for different water-alcohol mixtures that are to be used are those given in the international table adopted by the International Legal Metrology Organisation in its Recommendation No 22.

The general equation relating the alcoholic strength by volume and density of a water-alcohol mixture at a given temperature is given on page 40 in Chapter 3 ‘Alcoholic strength by volume’ of the Annex to Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2676/90 (OJ L 272, 3.10.1990, p. 1) or in the manual of analysis methods of the OIV (1994) (p. 17).

Note 3: U.K.

For liqueurs and crèmes for which it is very difficult to measure volume accurately the sample must be weighed and the alcoholic strength is calculated first by mass. U.K.

Conversion formula:

where

ASM

=

alcoholic strength by mass,

ρ₂₀ (alcohol)

=

789,24 kg/m³

4. Principle U.K.

Following distillation, the alcoholic strength by volume of the distillate is determined by pycnometry, electronic densimetry, or densimetry using a hydrostatic balance.