ASTM E1879-22

Overview

ASTM E1879-22: Standard Guide for Sensory Evaluation of Beverages Containing Alcohol provides comprehensive guidelines on conducting sensory and consumer evaluations of alcoholic beverages. Developed by ASTM International, this standard outlines best practices for assessor selection, sample preparation, serving protocols, and evaluation procedures specific to alcohol-containing products. It addresses key safety, regulatory, and legal considerations to ensure both participant well-being and compliance with relevant laws. The guide is applicable to a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, coolers, cocktails, ready-to-drink options, liqueurs, hard ciders, hard seltzers, and distilled spirits.

Key Topics

• Assessor Selection:

  • Criteria for participation, such as legal drinking age verification
  • Exclusion of individuals with contraindicated medical conditions or incompatible religious/moral beliefs
  • Guidance to avoid involvement of habitual consumers or those using medications

• Safety and Ethics:

  • Informed consent forms for Central Location Tests and Home Use Tests
  • Methods to maximize participant safety and minimize organizational liability
  • Guidance on managing Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), serving volumes, and post-tasting waiting periods

• Sample Preparation:

  • Consistency in sample preparation, storage, and serving temperature across all sessions
  • Recommendations for diluting high-proof spirits and using inert serving containers
  • Handling carbonated and nitrogenated beverages to preserve product integrity

• Serving Protocols:

  • Appropriate serving volumes to control BAC and comply with local limits
  • Use of pretested inert glassware or plasticware
  • Maintaining appropriate serving temperatures for each beverage type

• Evaluation Procedures:

  • Palate cleanser usage and interstimulus interval recommendations
  • Detailed sensory evaluation methods (visual, aroma, flavor, mouthfeel)
  • Considerations for both trained and consumer assessors

• Legal and Regulatory Compliance:

  • Guidance on obtaining necessary permits and fulfilling labeling, shipping, and storage requirements
  • Checklists for following alcohol service certifications and managing legal drinking age restrictions

Applications

Organizations in the alcoholic beverage industry, sensory science, product development, and quality control laboratories will benefit from implementing ASTM E1879-22. Typical applications include:

• Product Development: Conducting consistent consumer and expert tastings for new alcoholic beverages.
• Quality Control: Routine assessments to ensure product meeting specification and consumer expectations.
• Market Research: Structured sensory trials at central locations, bars, or participants’ homes to understand consumer preferences.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring all sensory tests adhere to local, regional, and international regulations, including proper documentation and participant consent.
• Employee Training: Setting up in-house sensory panels with clear protocols for safety, liability, and accurate evaluations.
• Risk Management: Reducing potential health, legal, and ethical issues associated with alcohol consumption during sensory evaluations.

Related Standards

Those utilizing ASTM E1879-22 for sensory evaluation of alcoholic beverages may also find the following ASTM documents relevant:

• ASTM E253: Terminology Relating to Sensory Evaluation of Materials and Products
• ASTM E1871: Guide for Serving Protocol for Sensory Evaluation of Foods and Beverages

Additional best practices and protocols may be referenced in ASTM manuals MNL26 and STP758, as well as relevant governmental agency guidelines for alcohol control and public safety.

Keywords: ASTM E1879-22, sensory evaluation, alcoholic beverages, assessor selection, consumer testing, BAC, serving temperature, serving volume, informed consent, regulatory compliance, beverage safety, sensory protocol, product testing, alcohol standards.