As part of a campaign to appeal to a new generation of whisky drinker, and as a genuine contribution to the space programme, Ballantine’s commissioned the Open Space Agency, a collective of “astropreneurs” to design the Space Glass and overcome the challenge of drinking whisky in a zero gravity environment.
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| The Ballantine's Space Glass |
The Space Glass was rigorously tested at the ZARM Zero-G Drop Tower in Bremen - Germany, to prove its functionality in conditions similar to that of space.
In order to get whisky from the bottle to the glass there is a loading mechanism which inserts a nozzle into the base of the glass. Held together by a strong magnetic connection the base of the glass releases a quick draw down allowing the slow release of the whisky into the base of the glass through a one-way valve.
There is a cold touch mouth clip, ergonomically shaped to give the user a quality drinking experience on the top of the glass. To capture the ritual of drinking whisky you rest your lips here, while hidden 'scent slots' let you smell the blend.
In addition to the glass, Ballantine’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop has created a special batch of Ballantine’s Space Whisky, a blend that seeks to “Stay True” to the Ballantine’s whisky style while enhancing the signature flavour profile.
Ballantine’s Space Whisky has been crafted by introducing first fill sherry matured malt to a bespoke Ballantine’s blend with the intention of addressing the impact that microgravity has on taste-buds, resulting in a more concentrated whisky with enhanced spice and honey notes.
Commenting on the whisky, Sandy Hyslop, said: "The Ballantine’s Space Glass is built around the whisky drinking experience. The warming element from hand to glass is important to me because the whisky warms up while you are drinking it, unlocking aromas that ensure a multi-sensory experience. It's fantastic that this has been achieved, so Ballantine's inaugural space blend has a fitting vessel specifically built for zero gravity.”
He went on to say: "In space you are unable to pick up on the same smell and taste intensity as on earth. That was my key consideration when designing Ballantine’s Space Whisky. I had to make the blend more robust, heightened in flavour, and more concentrated so one could emulate the experience of drinking Ballantine’s on earth. Astronauts miss the taste of home and by crafting a fruitier, stronger, more floral blend I think Ballantine’s has designed a home comfort for space.”
Ballantine’s will be publishing articles throughout the project and consumers are invited to follow the journey via a dedicated website: www.ballantinesspaceglass.com.
Posted by Steve Rush