Abstract: In the present study, 10 Musalais samples from different producers in A’wati, Xinjiang were subjected to quantitative descriptive evaluation and multivariable statistical analysis. Besides, factors that influence the appearance, taste and aroma characteristics of Musalais were analyzed. The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA), average flavor wheel chart and principal component analysis indicated significant differences in sensory characteristics of different Musalais samples, which were dominated by a brown color and a good sweet-sour balance with a light bitterness, abundant aroma (prominent caramel and alcoholic aroma) and good representativeness. The traditional production procedure was the main factor underlying the basic color, body and typical aroma of Musalais, but grape variety and storage time were also important affecting factors. The traditional production procedure and Hetain Red grape ensured the quality of Musalaism, whereas the introduction of modern technologies and the use of other grape varieties had negative effects on the taste and aroma of Musalais. After storage for 1–2 years, the rough and bitter taste of fresh Musalais was improved and became mellow and full, and the fragrant aroma and long lingering aftertaste were attenuated and became light. In spite of this, ageing time did not notably affect the sensory quality of Musalais. Partial least square regression and cluster analysis suggested highly dispersive distribution of Musalais samples. This indicates that sensory characteristics of Musalais varies complicatedly and lack stability. 

Key words: Musalais, sensory characteristics, quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA), multivariable analysis