The invention relates to a novel alcohol degree detection method and apparatus, especially relates to an detection method and apparatus based on a color sensitive material, wherein the detection method and apparatus are used to detect the alcohol degree during the fermentation process in real time, and belongs to the fields of fermented product raw material utilization and quality control. The apparatus comprises an upper computer, three CCD cameras, a LED integrating sphere light source, a base, a gas reaction chamber, an air inlet, an air outlet, a vacuum pump, a gas collecting probe with a special filter screen, and a temperature sensor. After the gas collected by the gas colleting probe reaches the gas reaction chamber, the gas reacts with the color sensitive material sensor arrays, which are adhered on the polyvinylidene difluoride membrane in the array area of a gas sensor; the color sensitive material is sensitive to alcohol, and thus the alcohol degree can be determined by watching the color change after the color sensitive material reacts with ethanol. The provided method and apparatus has the advantages that the operation is simple and convenient, the method is intelligent; the apparatus is simplified and is convenient to move; at the same time the detection system cost is reduced; and furthermore, the provided apparatus can be used to detect liquid alcohol and semi-solid alcohol.