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)
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)