Whisky to be distilled and aged in space in 2028 by Scottish–Japanese team
Scottish and Japanese engineers will send whisky samples into orbit in 2028 for a five-year study of ageing under extreme orbital temperature cycles.
A team of engineers from Scotland and Japan plans to distil whisky in space for the first time, sending samples and their base ingredients into orbit in 2028 as part of a five-year experiment.
How the experiment will work
The mission will carry a small satellite loaded with Scottish whisky and its raw components. While circling Earth roughly every 90 minutes, the payload will undergo repeated swings between extreme heat and freezing cold — conditions the researchers hope will speed up the maturation process.
Engineers behind the project say the frequent temperature and pressure cycles in low Earth orbit could produce chemical changes not seen in conventional warehouse ageing on Earth.
They expect the unusual environment to create a distinct flavour profile, and scientists predict the finished product would have "very bold" flavours as a result of its journey through space.
If the experiment succeeds, it could open the door to a new category of space-aged whisky and further experiments in how spirits evolve outside Earth’s atmosphere.
Photo: DPA)
