**4. Conclusions**

Mn, K and P are elements with higher concentrations recorded in the case of authentic samples. Their presence is directly related to the aging period of alcohol and can be indicated as markers for the identification of fraudulent activity in this respect. Another indicator certainly associated to the whisky maturation process in barrels is S. In products that were not aged or the aging period was much shorter than legally required (fake samples), the concentration of this element was much higher, compared to the original samples (in all cases subjected to the aging process). Counterfeit samples can be of variable origin and composition, so they cannot be characterized as one group with identical or comparable attributes. Often, the element of randomness dominates in the production of such alcohols. The use of unsuitable ingredients or production equipment, as well as inadequate knowledge in this field, cause the lack of repeatability of the taste and smell characteristics of alcohol beverages. This is evidenced by, for example, the failure to meet the standards for the maximum content of heavy metals in high-percentage alcohols. The adulteration of food products, including whisky, may be of various characters. It can refer to a reduced percentage of alcohol or the addition of various organic compounds to improve the visual and flavor properties. Therefore, the identification of the falsification of a different nature requires the use of a wide range of analytical techniques and often an individual approach.

The results presented in this article constitute the final part of a broad characteristic of the elemental composition carried out for 205 whisky samples. As our research revealed, the elemental analysis supported by statistical tools may provide beneficial information, especially in the context of the differentiation of alcohol samples in regard to such parameters as type, origin and detecting age-related adulteration of whisky.

**Author Contributions:** A.P., P.W. and M.G. performed an elemental analysis of all samples, analyzed the data, performed the chemometric analysis, prepared the paper; E.M. and J.A. methodological and technical support for research, performed an elemental analysis of all samples, prepared the paper; K.J.—conducted substantive supervision; M.I.S.-J. conducted substantive supervision and final review. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

**Funding:** This research received no external funding.

**Institutional Review Board Statement:** Not applicable.

**Informed Consent Statement:** Not applicable.

**Data Availability Statement:** The date are available from the corresponding author.

**Acknowledgments:** The authors of this paper would like to thank the invaluable technical support Patrycja Skrzek.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflict of interest.
