In 2011 samples of Ardbeg scotch whisky were sent as part of an experiment to see how the spirits’ maturation process is affected by the near zero gravity of space.
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Suntory, the Japanese distillery famed for its’ Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky, shall be sending some samples of its infamous concoction into outer space. (Yes, astronauts have thrown back a few in their day, and alcohol could be a big factor in space tourism). Japanese distillery Suntory wants to find out through a science experiment using the worldwide Space Station. When the Kounotori 5 transfer vehicle blasts off from Tanegashima Space Center on the 16 August to rendezvous with the global Space Station, it will be carrying five of Suntory’s finest drams.
Suntory has already carried out research in collaboration with a number of academic groups that suggests “mellowness develops by promoted formation of the high-dimensional molecular structure in the alcoholic beverage in environments where liquid convection is suppressed”.
“With the exception of some items like beer, alcoholic beverages are widely known to develop a mellow flavour when aged for a long time”. The alcohols will be divided into two groups. The other samples will only be returned after two years for comparison. At the end of the experiments, Suntory will determine the results through simple taste test.
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While the company hopes to learn about the effect zero gravity has on its products, it does not plan to make any of the samples available for purchase.
