Whisky in Space.

We’re not talking science fiction; Whisky has been shipped to space.  A joint experiment by NanoRacks LLC and Ardbeg saw vials of whisky sent to space to see how the micro-organic compounds in maturation experiment between normal gravity on earth vs the micro gravity in space.  These vials contained compounds known as terpenes, that Ardbeg crafted.  Terpenes are the building blocks of flavour for many foods and beverages.  The vials that Ardbeg shipped to space contained a new-make spirit distillate and shards of Ardbegs casks.  These vials were stored in the U.S. National Lab on the International Space Station some 200 miles above Earth.  Orbiting the planet at 17,227 miles per hour, for nearly 3 years.  Once returned to Earth Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation, his team, independent whisky experts and scientists analyzed these samples along side the control samples that had been kept at Ardbeg Distillery.  This has made Ardbeg the first distillery in space. 

Dr. Bill Lumsden said: “The space samples were noticeably different. When I nosed and tasted the space samples, it became clear that much more of Ardbeg’s smoky, phenolic character shone through – to reveal a different set of smoky flavours which I have not encountered here on earth before.”

Dr Bill Lumsden added: “Ardbeg already has a complex character, but the results of our experiment show that there is potentially even more complexity that we can uncover, to reveal a different side to the whisky.”

Further analysis, looking at ratios of different types of wood extractive compounds, found significant differences between the two sets of samples – demonstrating that gravity has a very real effect on the maturation of spirit. Dr Bill commented “Our findings may also one day have significant implications for the whisky industry as a whole. In the future, the altered range of wood extractions could lead scientists to be able to detail the ratios of compounds expected in whiskies of a certain age.” (Lumsden, 1)

Check out this short video. https://www.ardbeg.com/en-int/ardbeg-events/Archive/Ardbeg-in-space

Sources:

https://www.ardbeg.com/en-int/ardbeg-events/Archive/Ardbeg-in-space

(Lumsden,1) https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-styles/scotch-whiskey/ardbeg-whisky-in-space-experiment-findings-revealed/