GB422678A - Improvements in the maturation of spiritous liquors - Google Patents

Abstract

Spirituous liquors are matured by bringing them in the vapour phase into intimate contact with oxygen and a chemically inert distributing agent such as porous carbon, silica gel, and the like until the undesired ingredients such as acrolein and alkyl alcohol have been converted into harmless constituents by chemical reaction, and afterwards condensing the liquors. Suitable forms of porous carbon include bone char, activated carbon made from coconut shells, and purified petroleum coke. The agent is preferably employed in granular form. The process may be combined with the distillation of a fermented mash containing the spirituous liquor to be treated, the treatment chamber being conveniently arranged between the still and the condenser. The apparatus may be glass-lined or constructed of wood, stainless steel or a ceramic material. The passage of oxygen may be either in the direction of flow of the vapour or in counter-current thereto. The temperature at which the process is carried out depends on the amount of alcohol in the vapour treated, and the pressure may be atmospheric or higher or lower than atmospheric. The proper duration for the treatment is determined by taste and odour tests on the product, but is in all cases a few seconds or less. A woody flavour may be imparted to the liquor by condensing it in the presence of, or treating it in the vapour phase with chips of or otherwise finely divided wood, such as hard white oak, either charred or uncharred. Spirituous liquors which may be treated include whisky, brandy, rum, gin, liqueurs, and ethyl alcohol employed in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages. Ethyl alcohol treated according to this invention may be mixed with extracts or blended with other distilled liquors. An example is given.