Influence of nitrogen supply on the production of higher alcohols/esters and expression of flavour-related genes in cachaça fermentation

► In cachaça industry the supplementation with ammonium sulfate is common. ► Increased nitrogen reduces transcription levels of keto-acid decarboxylases, alcohol dehydrogenases and higher alcohols. ► An intermediate nitrogen supply augmented levels of IAH1 gene and acetate esters. ► A high nitrogen supply augmented levels of EEB1 and IAH1 genes and ethyl octanoate. ► Nitrogen has a great influence on the fermentation and aroma profile of cachaça.