Characterization of Xiaoqu Qingxiangxing Baijiu by gas chromatography-olfactometry, quantitative measurements, aroma recombination, and omission experiments

<i>Xiaoqu Qi</i>ngxiang (<i>X-Qing</i>) Baijiu is a subtype of <i>Qingxiang</i> (<i>Qing</i>) Baijiu and is a distilled spirit widely favored by consumers in central and southwestern China. The aroma compounds in <i>X-Qing</i> Baijiu were analyzed using aroma extract dilution analysis, resulting in the identification of 55 compounds. Among them, 32 were further identified as important odorants based on their odor activity values. These odorants were quantitatively recombined to replicate the overall aroma profile. Omission studies identified β-damascone, dimethyl trisulfide, 3-methylbutanal, and ethyl octanoate as the primary odorants in <i>X-Qing</i> Baijiu. Furthermore, partial least squares analysis revealed that 21 compounds, including ethyl hexanoate and β-damascone, as well as aroma attributes such as grain aroma, wheat bran-like aroma, and sweet aroma, exhibited significant differences among different types of <i>Qing</i> Baijiu. The aroma profile of <i>X-Qing</i> Baijiu was successfully reconstructed, offering valuable insights into quality control and aroma optimization strategies.