As you know, the meaning of some musical works becomes clear only if you listen to them in a state of mild alcohol intoxication. But can music improve the quality of liquor? According to Joe Heron, this is exactly the case, and he embodies his theory in the production of brandy and absinthe brand Copper & Kings.
In the production of grape and apple brandy, absinthe and other liquor products, located in Louisville, Kentucky, an additional special component is used – a steady stream of loud rock music, under the influence of which the so-called sonic aging process of alcohol in barrels occurs.
Surely the lead singer of the group “Talking Heads” David Byrne does not even know how his music affects the taste of brandy.
Sonic aging technology
Sonic aging is the process during which a pulsed sound wave passes through alcohol, such as Kentucky bourbon, poured into a barrel, creating oscillatory movements in the liquid and increasing the frequency of contact between the walls of the vessel and its contents. And the main role here is played by basses.
Implementation of sound aging technology
“The main impetus comes from the notes in the bass clef,” Heron says. In the basement, where alcoholic drinks mature, five huge subwoofers are installed. They emit sound waves that fill the entire room. “The system was designed by a sound engineer who specializes in creating loudspeakers for live bands.”
Music plays constantly. It fills the room around the clock, in which there are barrels of alcohol with an aging period of 52 months to 14 years. For each batch of alcohol, its own melody is selected. For example, early Stevie Ray Vaughn plays for the part that will be released in Texas, hip-hop rhythms in Houston, and Talking Heads in Rhode Island.
Herod likes the idea that music plays an important role in the world of liquor. “Brandy is inspired by Wilson Picket, Percy Sledge, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, My Morning Jacket and The Doors.
He also believes that the technology of sonic maturation can be used in the manufacture of not only brandy, but also other alcoholic beverages. “The principle is to increase the frequency of contact with the wood through agitation,” he says. “Rock and roll, hip hop and jazz make our brandy literally dance.”
As for the effect, according to Heron, good music playing loudly makes the drink thicker, aromatic and softer in taste, especially in those barrels that are located near the subwoofers. “The color becomes more saturated, which is usually inherent in alcohol with a longer exposure,” he says.
Although this method has no scientific basis, Heron believes that sonic aging gives his brandy a special uniqueness. “Brandy’s characteristic lingering and smooth taste is equally inherent in the explosion of taste characteristic of bourbon.”
Relevance: 25.11.2015
Tags: brandy and cognac