Outer Space Makes its Own Tastes

Suntory Time, Lost in Translation 2003

Here at Limbic Signal, we don’t always talk about taste (but when we do, we copy it directly).

[Also note, this is a repost from my previous blog, so it’s old news. Too good not to bring it up again though.]

Although this recent article on space whiskey doesn’t even mention Suntory, the Japanese distillery of Bill Murray lore sent its sample into outerspace as well, and we still await their results.

Scottish distillery Ardberg has delivered the results of its own space-aged whiskey. In keeping with the pursuit of an omnipotent odor lexicon, the descriptions here are taken directly from the article:

Ardbeg tasting notes from experiment:

Earth sample: "The sample had a woody aroma, reminiscent of an aged Ardbeg style, with hints of cedar, sweet smoke and aged balsamic vinegar, as well as raisins, treacle toffee, vanilla and burnt oranges.

"On the palate, its woody, balsamic flavours shone through, along with a distant fruitiness, some charcoal and antiseptic notes, leading to a long, lingering aftertaste, with flavours of gentle smoke, tar and creamy fudge."

Space sample: "Its intense aroma had hints of antiseptic smoke, rubber and smoked fish, along with a curious, perfumed note, like violet or cassis, and powerful woody tones, leading to a meaty aroma.

"The taste was very focused, with smoked fruits such as prunes, raisins, sugared plums and cherries, earthy peat smoke, peppermint, aniseed, cinnamon and smoked bacon or hickory-smoked ham. The aftertaste is intense and long, with hints of wood, antiseptic lozenges and rubbery smoke."