8 years ago
12
World's best whisky is being sent to age in space
A Japanese distillery is sending some of its world-renowned whisky into outer space. Tokyo-based Suntory, a brewing and distillery company, announced today that it will send six samples of its whiskies and other alcohols to the International Space Station (ISS) next month, in order to observe the effects of zero-gravity on the aging process.
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This is an interesting publicity thing.
The conventional wisdom when it comes to whisky is that it doesn't age once it comes out of the barrel. Additionally, the size of the barrel matters significantly when it comes to aging whisky. If they were to simply ship a 1 liter barrel up to the space station, it would age differently than a 55 gallon barrel typically used for aging whisky.
Beyond that, the explanation I've heard is that the primary cause for aging and becoming smoother is due to temperature changes causing the barrel to bring more liquid into the staves of the barrel and releasing the liquid later, in the process the whisky picks up components from the wood. Typically aging warehouses are kept un-conditioned, frequently having them at least partially open to the elements for this reason. The fact that the space station is constantly climate controlled would negate some or all of this effect. That said, the lack of gravity would effect aging, although I'm not sure by how much.
In any case, it seems like this is primarily a publicity stunt. I wouldn't be surprised at all if they're simply shipping a few ounces up in glass/plastic containers so they can bring it down and auction off the opportunity to try "space whisky"
(If you've got another slot, you should add this to /t/scotch)
I can't decide if is the greatest thing ever, the stupidest thing ever, or both. Can grupidest be a word?
One thing is for certain; those samples are going to mysteriously disappear while in orbit.
Edit: I hope to god the ISS toilets built to handle whisky shits.
World's best my ass. Scotland is where it's at.
If you haven't tried Hibiki 21 Year, you're really missing out, I honestly don't think Scotland can export anything near as good and I've had my fair share of whiskey.
True, I haven't tried it. For reference, have you tried Macallan 18yro sherry cask version?
Eh, Kentucky has more guns, I'm gonna stick with my Makers 46.
So how are guns related to what makes a whiskey good, or to why you should stick to Makers 46?
Guns make everything taste better, seeing how it's all subjective anyway. Loosen up. Being in Scotland has nil to do with good booze as well.
Try some Finnish whiskey[1] and then try some Lagavulin 16 years old, and see if you still stand by that claim.
(Source: I am Finnish)
[1] Choose the best Finnish whiskey in existence, for a fairer comparison. It will still suck ass compared to Lagavulin.
I think you fail to understand the whole subjective thing. Yes, done the whole Scotland/Ireland drink the best in the area when visiting and you're right, if you like scotch whiskey. Seeing as how it comes from Scotland and all. I happen to like bourbon whisky, which isn't made in the same way. I actually particularly dislike scotch.
Nope.. there's this thing called "good taste" :P
There is also this thing called "reality" man up and drink the bourbon ;) you know you secretly want it.