Antioxidant activity of Brandy de Jerez and other aged distillates, and correlation with their polyphenolic content

The antioxidant activities (AA) of commercial sherry brandies (Solera, Solera Reserva and Solera Gran Reserva) and samples obtained from an experimental ageing system were measured. In the dynamic ageing system, the data show that the casks containing the youngest distillate become exhausted over time. For experimental and commercial brandies, antioxidant activity and polyphenolic content both increase with increasing age, so the correlation between the two parameters was analysed. It is concluded that there is a significant relationship between them; however, it seems that some non-phenolic compounds could also contribute to the antioxidant activity. The results revealed certain differences between commercial and experimental sherry brandies, and these differences could be due to the addition of caramel colouring. Several other commercial aged distillates of various different geographical origins (Cognacs, Armagnacs, and Spanish, French and South African brandies) were studied, and their antioxidant power was compared with that of the three categories of Brandy de Jerez. It was found that Solera Gran Reserva sherry brandies show the highest antioxidant activity of all the products considered.