Cork giant Amorim has revealed breakthrough technologies to eradicate detectable TCA (2,4,6-trichloroanisole) through the launch of Naturity and Xpür — technologies designed to remove detectable TCA from natural corks and to create a new segment of micro-agglomerated stoppers, respectively.

Although it is more common in wine corks than whisky, it still exists and can affect the overall taste and smell of the spirit. TCA is formed in tree bark when fungi, mold or certain bacteria come into contact with a group of fungicides and insecticides, collectively referred to as halophenols. These were widely used during the 1950–1980s and remain in the soil.

Naturity expands non-detectable TCA performance in the natural cork product segment, while further strengthening the operational deliverables of NDTech. And Xpür improves upon the conventional supercritical CO2 application developed several decades ago, reengineering and upgrading the concept with 21st-century technology. 

António Amorim, chairman and CEO, said: “These technologies come as a result of robust financial investments, time, and dedication to R&D from our team. Despite the obstacles of 2020, we were able to fulfill the promise we made to have non-detectable TCA performance for all the cork stopper segments by the end of the year. This is our commitment to our 30,000 customers around the world – to guarantee the quality and consistency of their products and ensure that consumers’ preference for cork will only grow stronger.”

Distillers Journal will have more on TCA contamination in the Summer issue.