WHISKEY MAKING METHOD
A whiskey making method is provided wherein container pressure is controllably varied to mimic, at an increased frequency, the mimic those which occur during cycles of a conventional aging process. To make a whiskey having taste qualities similar to one aged for a conventional aging period (e.g., usually thirty-six months or more), the pressure-varying steps need only be repeated for a period of less than nine months.
1 . A method for making an alcoholic beverage for human consumption having taste qualities similar to one aged for a conventional aging period, said method comprising the steps of:
placing distillate into a container whereat it is in contact with a wood surface area; and
controllably varying the pressure within the container during a 24 hour cycle so that the pressure varies at least 1 ATM between a maximum pressure and a minimum pressure; and
repeating said pressure-varying steps for a period less than nine months.
2 . A method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said pressure-varying steps are repeated for a period less than six months.
3 . A method as set forth in claim 2 , wherein said pressure-varying steps are repeated for a period less than three months.
4 . A method as set forth in claim 3 , wherein said pressure-varying steps are repeated for a period less than two months.
5 . A method as set forth in claim 4 , wherein said pressure-varying steps are repeated for a period less than one month.
6 . A method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the pressure varies at least 2 ATM between a maximum pressure and a minimum pressure.
7 . A method as set forth in claim 6 , wherein the pressure varies at least 3 ATM between a maximum pressure and a minimum pressure.
8 . A method as set forth in claim 7 , wherein the pressure varies at least 4 ATM between a maximum pressure and a minimum pressure.
9 . A method as set forth in claim 8 , wherein the pressure varies at least 5 ATM between a maximum pressure and a minimum pressure.
10 . A method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the maximum pressure is +10 ATM or less.
11 . A method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the minimum pressure is −2 ATM or more.
12 . A method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the pressure-varying steps are accomplished by controllably changing the temperature within the container.
13 . A method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the pressure-varying steps are accomplished by controllably changing the volume within the container.
14 . A method as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising the step of bowing the solution in the container after completion of the pressure-varying steps.
15 . A method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the alcoholic beverage is whiskey.
16 . A method as set forth in claim 15 , wherein said pressure-varying steps are repeated for a period less than three months.
17 . A method as set forth in claim 16 , wherein said pressure-varying steps are repeated for a period less than two months.
18 . A method as set forth in claim 17 , wherein said pressure-varying steps are repeated for a period less than one month.
19 . A method as set forth in claim 15 , wherein the maximum pressure is +10 ATM or less and wherein the minimum pressure is −2 ATM or more.
20 . A method as set forth in claim 15 , further comprising the step of bowing the solution in the container after completion of the pressure-varying steps.