Suntory Is Attempting to Age Whisky in Space

Japanese whisky has come a long way, its popularity exploded since Suntory’s Yamakazi Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013 was named best in the world by the Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2015.

But now Suntory have taken things beyond this world by trying to age whisky in space.

Suntory has sent whisky aged for 10, 18 and 21 years as well as a number of other alcoholic substances in an unmanned cargo ship loaded with emergency supplies to the International Space Station.

Researchers for the company believe that the environment with only slight temperature changes and limited liquid movement in space can lead to a mellower flavor.

The flasks with stay for a minimum of a year (some flasks will be returned after the year long period, and some will remain for a longer duration).

A Suntory spokeswoman has said that this is more of a scientific analysis, when returned Suntory’s blenders will assess the flavors, while researchers will subject the liquids to scientific analysis.

They currently are not applying the study to commercial products.