Effect of Different Contents of Nuruk Extract on Fermentation Characteristics of Kwahaju (a Korean Traditional Alcoholic Beverage)

수국 첨가량이 과하주의 발효 특성에 미치는 영향

Fermentation characteristics of kwahaju (a typical Korean traditional alcoholic beverage) base were investigated during fermentation with different contents of nuruk (Korean-style bran koji) extract. The nuruk extract which was prepared by incubating the mixture of nuruk powder and water at $25^{\circ}C$ overnight and by filtering it was used to be 0.6%, 2.7%, 5% and 10% (v/v). Total and reducing sugar contents as well as acidity of the kwahaju base with 0.6% nuruk extract were higher than those with 2.7%, 5% and 10% at the fermentation end. Final pH values of all the base samples were ranged from 3.3 to 4.1. Alcohol concentrations of the base samples with 2.7%, 5% and 10% nuruk extract were higher than those with 0.6%. Microbial growth rate was great and inner temperature was high in the sample with high content of nuruk extract, but fermentation period was short. Total sugar consumption and alcohol production increased as the content of nuruk extract increased, but total acid production decreased. The base sample with 10% nuruk extract showed the most excellent fermentation efficiency. Fusel oil content of the base sample with 2.7% nuruk extract was the highest (457.3 ppm), and those wity 5% and 10% nuruk extract were 438.9 ppm and 442.6 ppm, respectively. The sample with 0.6% nuruk extract had the lowest content (409.5 ppm). Sensory evaluation of both the kwahaju base and kwahaju mix with 25% and 40% alcohol by adding soju (Korean distilled liquor) showed that the base with 2.7% nuruk extract had the highest score, and that the kwahaju mix with 25% alcohol had higher score than that with 40%. The sensory results on overall desirability were consistent to those on color and alcohol concentration, and it turned out that the two factors were important to make kwahaju.