Japanese firm to mature whisky in space
[TOKYO] Japanese whisky will be sent into space next month to test how time in a zero-gravity environment affects its flavour, one of the country's biggest drinks makers said on Friday.
Samples of whisky produced by Suntory will be stored in the Japanese laboratory facility of the International Space Station for at least a year, with some flasks staying longer.
Researchers for the company believe that storing the beverage in an environment with only slight temperature changes and limited liquid movement could lead to a mellower flavour.
Suntory will send whisky aged for 10, 18 and 21 years as well as a number of other alcoholic substances.
Once they are returned to Earth, blenders will assess their flavours while researchers subject the liquids to scientific analysis, the company said.
"For the moment, we're not thinking about applying the study results to commercial products," a Suntory spokeswoman told AFP.
Whisky demand rocketed in Japan last year after national broadcaster NHK aired a period drama called "Massan," the true story of a Japanese entrepreneur and his Scottish wife who are credited with establishing Japan's first whisky distillery.
Sales also soared when Suntory's Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013 was named the best in the world by the prestigious Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2015.
AFP
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
Consumer & Healthcare
HCA beats first-quarter profit estimates on higher patient admissions
US FDA approves Pfizer’s gene therapy for rare bleeding disorder
EU toughens rules on Chinese fashion retailer Shein
Best World under fire from shareholders at AGM over dividends, director salaries
‘Extreme’ climate blamed for world’s worst wine harvest in 62 years
Sheng Siong Q1 net profit up 9.3% on higher revenue