Method and device for preparing and dispensing a mixed beverage

Abstract

A method of preparing and dispensing a mixed beverage using a beverage dispensing assembly (100), the method comprising the steps of: mixing together a base liquid (104) with a beverage concentrate (106) to form a primary liquid (111) in a beverage dispenser (102) of the beverage dispensing assembly (100); mixing the primary liquid (111) with a volume of secondary liquid (108) to form a mixed beverage in the beverage dispenser (102), wherein the secondary liquid comprises ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds; and dispensing the mixed beverage from a dispensing outlet (120) of the beverage dispenser (102); the beverage concentrate (106) has been at least partially mixed with the base liquid (104) to form the primary liquid (111) such that, in the preparation of the mixed beverage, a volume of the secondary liquid (108) is mixed with the beverage concentrate (106) after the beverage concentrate (106) has been at least partially mixed with the base liquid (104) to form the primary liquid (111).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various aspects and embodiments of the present application relate to the field of forming and dispensing mixed beverages formed by mixing a beverage concentrate with a base liquid. Background Art

[0002] Beverages, such as soft drinks, beer and cocktails, can be consumed at locations other than where they are produced. Thus, the beverages must be transported. In order to reduce the mass and volume to be transported, it has been proposed to concentrate the beverages before transport, i.e. to reduce the water content. The beverage concentrate can be mixed with a base liquid to obtain a mixed beverage whose concentration, consistency and taste are close to those of the original beverage.

[0003] A cartridge, also known as a container, pod, pouch or capsule, can be used as a container for holding a concentrated beverage. A mixed beverage can be prepared by mixing the concentrate with a base liquid such as water. The mixing can be performed in a beverage dispenser. Summary of the invention

[0004] It has been observed that the mixed beverage may appear cloudy after dispensing, i.e. have high turbidity and / or appear cloudy, and / or the mixed beverage is not uniformly mixed. The turbidity may be higher than the beverage on which the beverage concentrate is based, and may be undesirable for aesthetic reasons and / or other reasons. When the mixed beverage is not uniformly mixed, the drinking experience of the user may be negatively affected, for example because the flavor concentration is not evenly distributed over the mixed beverage.

[0005] A general purpose is to reduce the turbidity of a mixed beverage formed by mixing one or more beverage concentrates with one or more base liquids. Preferably, the turbidity is reduced such that the turbidity of the mixed beverage corresponds or approximately corresponds to the turbidity of the beverage on which the beverage concentrate is based. Alternatively or in addition, a general purpose is to reduce the amount of particles in a mixed beverage formed by mixing one or more beverage concentrates with one or more base liquids, for example to improve the taste, sensory quality and / or appearance of the mixed beverage.

[0006] Additionally or alternatively, the purpose is to mix the beverage concentrate with one or more base liquids so that a substantially homogeneous mixed beverage can be obtained. There can also be a purpose to dispense the mixed beverage without subsequently or simultaneously dispensing the beverage concentrate and the base liquid into a beverage container for mixing in the beverage container itself. This can, for example, improve the visual experience of a user viewing the mixed beverage stream from the beverage dispenser, similar to conventional beverage dispensers for dispensing conventional non-mixed beverages.

[0007] Additionally or alternatively, when the ingredients are mixed by and / or in a beverage dispenser, the mixing of the ingredients that form the mixed beverage can be improved, rather than dispensing the ingredients that form the mixed beverage individually into a beverage container for mixing in the beverage container itself. In addition, mixing by a beverage dispenser can provide improved control over the mixing process compared to dispensing the ingredients that form the mixed beverage individually into a beverage container for mixing in the beverage container itself. The mixing of different components that form the mixed beverage can generally be referred to as preparing a mixed beverage.

[0008] In order to achieve at least one of the above objectives, a first aspect of the present disclosure provides a method according to claim 1 .

[0009] In the method, a base liquid and a beverage concentrate are mixed together to form a primary liquid. The primary liquid is formed in particular in a beverage dispenser.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, additional flavoring, ethanol or any other compound, in particular hop compounds, is added to a primary liquid to form a desired mixed beverage, such as beer. To this end, the method comprises the steps of: mixing at least part of the primary liquid with a volume of a secondary liquid comprising ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds to form a mixed beverage in a beverage dispenser; and dispensing the mixed beverage from a dispensing outlet of the beverage dispenser. This allows the use of beverage concentrates that may have a lower content of ethanol and / or hop compounds than previously used beverage concentrates, while still obtaining a mixed beverage having the same or similar ethanol and / or hop compound content as a previously formed mixed beverage, wherein the previously used beverage concentrates allow the preparation of a mixed beverage by mixing one or more base liquids with the beverage concentrate.

[0011] In this method, a volume of a secondary liquid is mixed with the beverage concentrate after the beverage concentrate has been at least partially mixed, in other words: after dilution with the base liquid. In the primary liquid, there will generally be a lower concentration of beverage concentrate compounds than in the beverage concentrate itself, since many of the compounds in the beverage concentrate will not be included in the base liquid.

[0012] It should be understood that embodiments of the method are also foreseeable in which the primary liquid is formed by mixing one or more base liquids with one or more beverage concentrates in any combination thereof. Wherever a single base liquid and / or a single beverage concentrate is mentioned herein, it should be understood that multiple base liquids and / or multiple beverage concentrates are also contemplated. Additionally or alternatively, one or more volumes of one or more secondary liquids including ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds may be mixed with the primary liquid in any combination thereof.

[0013] It has surprisingly been found that when a beverage concentrate is at least partially mixed with one or more base liquids before mixing ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds with the beverage concentrate, the resulting mixed beverage is advantageously more homogeneous compared to a mixed beverage in which the base liquid, beverage concentrate and ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds are mixed simultaneously and / or compared to a mixed beverage in which ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds are first mixed with the beverage concentrate and then this mixture is mixed with the one or more base liquids.

[0014] The secondary liquid comprises ethanol or one or more hop compounds or a combination of ethanol and one or more hop compounds. When using multiple secondary liquids, the multiple secondary liquids can be mixed with the primary liquid in any order. For example, when the first secondary liquid comprising ethanol and the second secondary liquid comprising hop compounds are mixed with the primary liquid, one of the two secondary liquids can be mixed with the primary liquid first and then mixed with the other of the two secondary liquids in any combination. In addition, the secondary liquid can include any flavoring, such as one or more aromatic compounds, esters and / or alcohols, any combination thereof. In an embodiment of the method, multiple secondary liquids can be mixed with the primary liquid.

[0015] Preferably, the beverage concentrate is substantially free of ethanol. It has been observed that a beverage concentrate substantially free of ethanol allows the beverage concentrate to be formed with a higher concentration of flavoring and / or may be more stable during storage and / or may be less prone to particle formation in the concentrate, such as from proteins or sugars in the beverage concentrate, compared to a beverage concentrate substantially free of ethanol.

[0016] However, if the desired mixed beverage includes ethanol, then when the beverage concentrate is substantially free of ethanol, the ethanol must be added using a liquid different from the beverage concentrate. The beverage concentrate being substantially free of ethanol can be understood as having less than 1% ethanol by volume, less than 0.5% ethanol by volume, or even less than 0.05% ethanol by volume. The secondary liquid can include ethanol to obtain the desired alcohol content by volume of the mixed beverage.

[0017] Typically, the beverage concentrate may have: an ethanol content of 0-1% ABV; a water content of 10-90 wt.%, in particular 35-80 wt.%; and / or a density of 20-60°P; in any combination thereof. The beverage concentrate may typically be obtained, for example, by nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, forward osmosis and / or freeze concentration. As a further option of any beverage concentrate disclosed herein, the beverage concentrate may include 0-5 μg or even 0-1 μg of hop compounds per gram of dry matter.

[0018] The pH value of the beverage concentrate is preferably in the range of 3.0 to 6.0, more preferably in the range of 3.2 to 5.5, most preferably in the range of 3.5 to 5.0. The beverage concentrate preferably has a water content of 40-75 wt%, more preferably a water content of 45-70 wt%. In a preferred embodiment, the beverage concentrate has a density of 24-50°P, more preferably a density of 28-42°P.

[0019] The riboflavin content of the beverage concentrate is preferably in the range of 250-3,000 μg / L, more preferably in the range of 300-2,500 μg / L, more preferably in the range of 350-2,200 μg / L, most preferably in the range of 400-2,000 μg / L.

[0020] The beverage concentrate preferably comprises 150-5,000 μg / L, more preferably 200-4,000 μg / L, even more preferably 250-3,500 μg / L, most preferably 300-3,000 μg / L of linoleic acid. In addition to linoleic acid, beverage concentrates typically contain other fatty acids, such as oleic acid and / or alpha-linolenic acids. Oleic acid is preferably present in the beverage concentrate in a concentration of 300-3,000 μg / L, more preferably 400-2,500 μg / L, even more preferably 500-2,000 μg / L, most preferably 600-1,800 μg / L.

[0021] α-linolenic acid is preferably present in the beverage concentrate at a concentration of 100-1,200 μg / L, more preferably 120-1,100 μg / L, even more preferably 150-1,000 μg / L, most preferably 180-900 μg / L. The free amino nitrogen (FAN) content of the beverage concentrate is preferably in the range of 60-1,000 mg / L, more preferably 80-800 mg / L, even more preferably 90-700 mg / L, most preferably 100-600 mg / L.

[0022] The beverage concentrate preferably contains 10-100 g / L, more preferably 12-80 g / L, even more preferably 15-60 g / L, most preferably 18-40 g / L maltotetraose.

[0023] The beverage concentrate may contain maltose in a concentration of 0-20 g / L, more preferably 0-15 g / L, even more preferably 0.5-10 g / L, and most preferably 1-8 g / L. In other embodiments, the beverage concentrate may contain maltose in a concentration of 80-400 g / L, more preferably 100-300 g / L, even more preferably 140-280 g / L, and most preferably 150-250 g / L.

[0024] The beverage concentrate may contain maltotriose in a concentration of 1-30 g / L, more preferably 2-25 g / L, even more preferably 2.5-22 g / L, and most preferably 3-20 g / L. In other embodiments, the beverage concentrate may contain maltose in a concentration of 80-400 g / L, more preferably 100-300 g / L, even more preferably 140-280 g / L, and most preferably 150-250 g / L.

[0025] The beverage concentrate may contain 100-1,200 mg / L acetic acid, more preferably 120-1,000 mg / L acetic acid, even more preferably 150-900 mg / L acetic acid, and most preferably 180-800 mg / L acetic acid.

[0026] In one embodiment, the beverage concentrate comprises 100-1,200 mg / L acetic acid, 0-20 g / L maltose and 1-30 g / L maltotriose. In another embodiment, the beverage concentrate comprises 0-300 mg / L acetic acid, 80-400 g / L maltose and 30-150 g / L maltotriose.

[0027] The beverage concentrate may have a surface tension of at least 42.5 mN / m, more preferably 43.5-55 mN / m, most preferably 45-53 mN / m. A high surface tension may be preferred to reduce undesirable foaming. The surface tension is measured using a Kruss 9 tensiometer equipped with a Wilhelmy plate.

[0028] The beverage concentrate may comprise 0-500 mg / L, more preferably 0-200 mg / L, most preferably 0-100 mg / L dissolved carbon dioxide.

[0029] When the beverage concentrate is based on a fermented beverage, the beverage concentrate may be obtained by concentrating the fermented beverage, and / or by brewing the fermented beverage with a high concentration of flavoring. The high concentration of flavoring may be higher than the typical concentration of flavoring for the fermented beverage. For example, when the beverage concentrate includes 4 times more flavoring per volume than a conventional beverage, the concentrate must be diluted 4 times to obtain the desired flavoring concentration.

[0030] Typically, the beverage concentrate may be substantially free of hop compounds. A beverage concentrate substantially free of hop compounds may be obtained by forming a beverage concentrate from a fermented beverage without adding hops. Substantially free of hop compounds may be defined as having less than 10 mg / L of hop compounds, having less than 5 mg / L of hop compounds, having less than 2 mg / L of hop compounds, or even having less than 1 mg / L of hop compounds.

[0031] The high concentration of flavoring agent can result in a high dry matter content in the beverage concentrate that is higher than the typical dry matter content in conventional beverages. The high concentration of flavoring agent can be obtained by preparing the fermented beverage with a higher concentration of raw materials such as grains of, for example, malted barley, wheat and / or corn, compared to the concentration of raw materials used to prepare conventional beverages, which are usually not mixed with a base liquid before consumption.

[0032] Beverage concentrates can generally include one or more flavorings, for example intended to simulate the flavor of another beverage. In particular, flavorings can be used to simulate the flavor of a fermented beverage, such as beer, wine or cider. Flavorings can be, for example, aromatic compounds, esters or alcohols. By mixing one or more flavorings particularly into an aqueous solution, a beverage concentrate can therefore be obtained. Thus, it is understood that beverage concentrates can also be formed without a brewing or fermentation process. Typically, beverage concentrates have a higher viscosity than a base liquid and / or a secondary liquid.

[0033] The base liquid or conceivable base liquid with which the beverage concentrate is mixed to form the mixed beverage may be or include water or carbonated water. The beverage concentrate may then be used to add additional flavorings to the base liquid, and / or a secondary liquid may be used to add ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds to the base liquid.

[0034] Hops generally include chemical compounds such as alpha acids, for example humulones (α-lupulic acids); iso-alpha acids, such as alpha isohumulones; beta acids, such as alpha lupulones, essential oils; and flavonoids, such as xanthohumol. These hop compounds may be of natural origin, i.e. from the actual hop plant, in particular from the flowers of the hop plant, or conceivably synthetic hops.

[0035] The base liquid and the beverage concentrate can be supplied from separate sources. For example, when the base liquid includes water, the base liquid source can be a drinking water supply source, such as a tap for providing tap water. Alternatively, the beverage dispenser can include a base liquid reservoir for accommodating a certain volume of the base liquid. Thus, the base liquid can be water or carbonated water or include water or carbonated water. When substantially uncarbonated (uncarbonated) water is supplied to the beverage dispenser, the beverage dispenser or the beverage dispenser assembly can include a carbonator for carbonated water. Preferably, the water is carbonated before mixing with the beverage concentrate. Thus, the mixed beverage can be a carbonated mixed beverage.

[0036] Beverage concentrate is preferably supplied in the form of a replaceable beverage concentrate container, such as a cartridge, cup, pouch, bag, bag-in-container, bag-in-box, keg or any other liquid container. Beverage concentrate container can usually accommodate a certain volume of beverage concentrate for a mixed beverage for a single supply or for a mixed beverage for multiple supplies, such as for producing and distributing 1L, 2L, 5L or even 10L or more mixed beverage. For example, the preferred volume of the mixed beverage as a single portion distribution can be 200mL, 250mL, 300mL, 500mL or 568mL (i.e. 1 pint). Preferably, a plurality of mixed beverages of different volumes are distributed using the beverage concentrate from the same beverage concentrate container. Beverage concentrate container can accommodate more than 100mL, more than 250mL, more than 500mL, more than 1 liter, or even 2 liters or more, or even 5 liters or more of beverage concentrate.

[0037] The beverage concentrate and the secondary liquid are also preferably supplied from separate sources, such as separate liquid containers. However, examples are also envisioned where the beverage concentrate and the secondary liquid are supplied in a single container, such as a cartridge, cup, pouch, bag, bag-in-container, bag-in-box, keg or any other liquid container, which includes two separate compartments.

[0038] Can use replaceable secondary liquid container that secondary liquid is supplied to beverage dispensing assembly, described secondary liquid container is such as tube, cup, pouch, bag, bag in container, bag in box, keg or any other liquid container.Secondary liquid container can hold the secondary liquid of certain volume of beverage after mixing for single supply or after mixing for multiple supply usually, for example 1L, 2L, 5L or even 10L or more mixed beverage.Secondary liquid container can hold more than 100mL, more than 250mL, more than 500mL, more than 1L or even 2L or more or even 5L or more secondary liquid.

[0039] The interfaces between the beverage dispenser and the beverage concentrate container and between the beverage dispenser and the secondary liquid container can be different, such that the beverage concentrate container and the secondary liquid container each have their own interface with the beverage dispenser. Alternatively, the interfaces between the beverage dispenser and the beverage concentrate container and between the beverage dispenser and the secondary liquid container can be substantially the same, such that the beverage concentrate container and the secondary liquid container can be interchangeably connected to the same interface of the beverage dispenser.

[0040] Preferably, the method for dispensing a mixed beverage using a beverage dispensing assembly does not require mixing liquids together in a mixing chamber of the beverage dispenser. The mixing chamber may be large and difficult to clean, and / or the mixing process in the mixing chamber may be difficult to control and / or may cause excessive foaming of the beverage in the mixing chamber. In order to at least partially alleviate at least one of these drawbacks, the method preferably includes mixing a base liquid and a beverage concentrate together in a dispensing line of the beverage dispensing assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the method may include mixing a primary liquid and a secondary liquid together in a dispensing line of the beverage dispensing assembly. The mixing of liquids in the dispensing line may be referred to as in-line mixing.

[0041] Preferably, when the two liquids are mixed together, the mixing thus takes place in the dispensing line. In this way, the use of a mixing chamber can be avoided. Typically, when mixing in a mixing chamber, a gas such as air is present in the mixing chamber, at least for a period of time during the mixing. The gas forms a headspace which is preferably avoided because it may, for example, cause excessive foaming and / or cause carbon dioxide to escape from a liquid, such as a carbonated base liquid.

[0042] In general, it will be appreciated that the distribution line may be formed by a single conduit, or by a plurality of connected conduits forming a distribution line. The conduits may be connected to form a network of conduits, wherein the conduits may be arranged in series and / or in parallel. The conduits may, for example, comprise tubes, such as flexible tubes or rigid tubes, which may, for example, comprise one or more polymers. The different conduits of the distribution line may be releasably connected to one another, such that one or more of the conduits may be replaced. Being able to replace conduits may reduce the need to clean the conduits. The maximum flow area or cross-sectional area of ​​the beverage through the distribution line may, for example, be approximately 70 mm 2 or smaller, or even 50mm 2 Or smaller, or even 40mm 2 In other words, the inner diameter of the distribution line may be, for example, 9 mm or less.

[0043] In the dispensing line, one or more valves and / or one or more pumps may be provided, which allow controlling the flow of one or more liquids through the dispensing line. Typically, the beverage dispenser may comprise a controller arranged to operate the one or more valves and / or one or more pumps, in particular to control the order and ratio in which the base liquid, the beverage concentrate and the secondary liquid are mixed before dispensing as a mixed beverage.

[0044] To improve the mixing of two or more liquids in a dispensing line, such as mixing a base liquid and a beverage concentrate or a primary liquid and a secondary liquid, one or more passive mixers may be used. In general, passive mixers allow for improved mixing of the two liquids. With improved mixing, a shorter length of dispensing line may be required before the two liquids are adequately mixed. Passive mixers do not require external energy input to mix the two liquid streams, other than the pressure on the two liquid streams allowing the liquid streams to flow through the passive mixer.

[0045] Examples of passive mixers that may be readily applied to any of the embodiments of the beverage dispensers disclosed herein are venturi ejectors, venturi injectors, and labyrinth mixers.

[0046] For reasons of hygiene and / or for the taste of the mixed beverage, in particular for example when the beverage concentrate used has a relatively high sugar content, and / or when a single beverage dispenser is used to dispense different types of mixed beverages, it may be important to clean the beverage dispenser, in particular its dispensing line. It is conceivable to use a flow comprising or consisting of a base liquid to flush at least part of the dispensing line of the beverage dispenser. In this way, at least part of the dispensing line can be conveniently cleaned, for example using a water flow as an example of a base liquid. Preferably, the base liquid input is located at the upstream end of the dispensing line, and the entire dispensing line can be flushed with the base liquid.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, the primary liquid is used to flush at least a portion of the dispensing line of the beverage dispenser, and the secondary liquid can be used to flush at least a portion of the dispensing line. In particular, when the secondary liquid comprises ethanol, preferably 40% or more by volume, the secondary liquid can be advantageously used to clean at least a portion of the dispensing line in a hygienic manner.

[0048] In particular, after preparing and dispensing a mixed beverage using the beverage dispensing assembly and / or before preparing and dispensing a further mixed beverage using the beverage dispensing assembly, at least a portion of the dispensing line may be flushed with the base liquid.

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the dispensing line of the beverage dispenser may be flushed with the base liquid and / or the secondary liquid, and at least a portion of the dispensing line may be flushed with a gas. In particular, the gas may be carbon dioxide, which may be supplied from the same or similar source that is also used to carbonate the base liquid. At least a portion of the dispensing line may be flushed with a gas, in particular carbon dioxide, after preparing and dispensing a mixed beverage using the beverage dispensing assembly and / or before preparing and dispensing another mixed beverage using the beverage dispensing assembly.

[0050] The base liquid, secondary liquid, gas and / or any other flushing fluid may leave the beverage dispenser through a dispensing outlet that is also used to dispense the mixed beverage. Alternatively, the base liquid, secondary liquid, gas and / or any other flushing fluid may leave the beverage dispenser through a separate outlet, for example to prevent a user from accidentally mistaking the flushing liquid for the mixed beverage. Thus, the dispensing line may further include a flushing fluid outlet separate from the dispensing outlet, through which any flushing fluid may be discarded.

[0051] The volume ratio between the base liquid and the beverage concentrate in the primary liquid can be greater than 4, in particular greater than 6 or even 8 or more. For example, when the ratio is 4, 200 mL of the base liquid and 50 mL of the beverage concentrate are mixed, for example, to form 250 mL of the primary liquid. The volume ratio between the primary liquid and the secondary liquid can, for example, depend on the desired alcohol / volume content of the mixed beverage and / or the desired flavor characteristics of the mixed beverage, in particular the bitterness which can be expressed in International Bitterness Units (IBU). The volume alcohol content of the mixed beverage can be, for example, 0.0% or more, 2.0% or more, 4.0% or more, 5.0% or more, or even 7.0% or more.

[0052] In order to form a specific mixed beverage, such as a mixed beer, the primary liquid may include one or more proteins. The one or more proteins may in particular be included by a beverage concentrate for forming the mixed beverage.

[0053] The second aspect of the present application provides a beverage dispensing assembly for dispensing mixed beverages, such as any embodiment of the method according to the first aspect disclosed herein. The dispensing assembly includes a beverage dispenser, which includes a dispensing line with a dispensing outlet, a base liquid input, a beverage concentrate input, and a secondary liquid input. In this way, the beverage dispenser is configured to receive one or more base liquids, one or more beverage concentrates, and one or more secondary liquids. The beverage dispenser is also configured to mix the received base liquid, the received beverage concentrate, and the received secondary liquid together into a mixed beverage, and is used to distribute the mixed beverage through the dispensing outlet. By mixing the received base liquid, the received beverage concentrate, and the received secondary liquid together, the mixed beverage can be prepared in the beverage dispenser and / or by the beverage dispenser.

[0054] In order to improve the mixing of the base liquid, beverage concentrate and secondary liquid into a homogeneous mixed beverage within the beverage dispenser, i.e. before the mixed beverage leaves the dispensing outlet, the beverage dispenser allows the base liquid, beverage concentrate and secondary liquid to be mixed in a specific order. Preferably, the beverage dispenser allows the beverage concentrate to be firstly diluted with one or more base liquids to form a primary liquid, and then the beverage dispenser allows the primary liquid to be mixed with a secondary liquid comprising ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds.

[0055] Typically, a base liquid input allows one or more base liquids to be supplied to a dispensing line. A beverage concentrate input allows one or more beverage concentrates to be supplied to a dispensing line. A secondary liquid input allows one or more secondary liquids to be supplied to a dispensing line.

[0056] Preferably, the beverage concentrate is supplied from a beverage concentrate container which is replaceable from the beverage dispenser. In this way, the beverage concentrate container can be replaced, for example when the beverage concentrate container is empty and / or a different mixed beverage is required, a different type of beverage concentrate is required. The beverage concentrate container can be located in a beverage concentrate container receptacle of the beverage dispenser, and / or the beverage concentrate container can include a connector which can be connected to an interface of the beverage dispenser such that a fluid connection is established between the interior volume of the beverage concentrate container in which the beverage concentrate is present and the beverage concentrate input.

[0057] The beverage dispenser assembly may further include a beverage concentrate conduit that fluidly connects the beverage concentrate container and the beverage concentrate input. The beverage concentrate conduit may be releasably connected to the beverage concentrate container so that when the beverage concentrate container is replaced, the beverage concentrate conduit may be reconnected to another beverage concentrate container.

[0058] Additionally or alternatively, the beverage concentrate conduit may be releasably connected to the beverage dispenser, in particular to the dispensing line. In this way, for example when replacing the beverage concentrate container, the beverage concentrate conduit may be disconnected from the beverage dispenser and discarded, for example together with the beverage concentrate container. The beverage concentrate conduit may be connected to the beverage concentrate container in a tamper-proof manner, i.e. if the beverage concentrate conduit is to be disconnected from the beverage concentrate container, the beverage concentrate conduit cannot be functionally reconnected to the same or a different beverage concentrate container, in particular in the same way as the beverage concentrate conduit was previously connected to the beverage concentrate container.

[0059] The beverage dispensing assembly may further comprise one or more secondary liquid containers. It is generally preferred that the secondary liquid is supplied to the beverage dispenser from a separate secondary liquid container, which is replaceably connected to the beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser assembly may comprise a secondary liquid conduit to fluidly connect the beverage concentrate container, in particular its internal volume, with the beverage concentrate input. Similar to the beverage concentrate conduit, the secondary liquid conduit may be replaceably connected to the secondary liquid container and / or the dispensing line.

[0060] Preferably, the beverage dispenser has no mixing chamber for mixing the base liquid and the beverage concentrate together and / or for mixing the base liquid, the beverage concentrate and the secondary liquid together. Additionally or alternatively, the maximum flow area of ​​the fluid through the dispensing line between the base liquid input and the dispensing outlet and / or between the beverage concentrate input and the dispensing outlet is 70 mm 2 . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] In the attached picture:

[0062] Figure 1A schematically illustrating a beverage dispensing assembly;

[0063] Figure 1B An example of a distribution line is schematically shown;

[0064] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a beverage dispensing assembly; and

[0065] Figure 3 A second embodiment of a beverage dispensing assembly is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Figure 1A Schematically shown is a beverage dispensing assembly 100, which can be used in a method for preparing and dispensing a mixed beverage, such as a mixed brewed beverage, in particular a mixed beer. The beverage dispensing assembly 100 comprises a beverage dispenser 102, wherein a dispensing line 110 is disposed at Figure 1AThe dispensing outlet 120 is provided at the downstream end of the dispensing line 110. In use, preferably, the uniformly mixed mixed beverage can be dispensed from the dispensing outlet 120 into, for example, a drinking glass or a cup.

[0067] The beverage dispensing assembly 100 allows different liquids to be mixed in a specific order in the beverage dispenser 102. It should be understood that for the sake of clarity and simplicity of the drawings, Figure 1A The beverage dispenser 102 is only partially shown in FIG.

[0068] The beverage dispensing assembly 100 is Figure 1A 1 and 2 as including a base liquid source 104, a beverage concentrate source 106, and a secondary liquid source 108. The base liquid source 104 may be, for example, a container containing water.

[0069] A base liquid stream 114 may be supplied to the dispensing line 110 from the base liquid source 104. A stream of beverage concentrate 116 may be supplied to the dispensing line 110 from the beverage concentrate source 106. A secondary liquid stream 118 may be supplied to the dispensing line 110 from the secondary liquid source 108. Typically, one, two, or all of the base liquid stream, beverage concentrate stream, and secondary liquid stream may be supplied to the dispensing line simultaneously or separately in any combination thereof. The streams of any liquid may be configured, for example, using one or more pumps and / or valves.

[0070] like Figure 1A As shown, in the beverage dispenser 102, a beverage concentrate source 106 is connected downstream of a base liquid source 104, and a secondary liquid source 108 is connected downstream of the beverage concentrate source 106. Thus, in the beverage dispenser 102, a mixed beverage can be prepared by first mixing a base liquid and a beverage concentrate together into a primary liquid 111, and then mixing the primary liquid 111 with a secondary liquid to form a mixed beverage 112. The mixed beverage 112 is preferably substantially homogeneous before being dispensed from the dispensing outlet 120. It has been observed that mixing a secondary liquid including ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds with a primary liquid can produce a more homogeneous mixed beverage than mixing the base liquid with ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds before or simultaneously mixing the base liquid with the beverage concentrate.

[0071] Figure 1B Schematically illustrated is an example of a dispensing line 110 that may be included in any beverage dispenser 102 disclosed herein. In general, a base liquid may be supplied to the dispensing line 110 from any base liquid source 104, a beverage concentrate may be supplied to the dispensing line 110 from any beverage concentrate source 106, and a secondary liquid may be supplied to the dispensing line from any secondary liquid source 108.

[0072] At or near the upstream end of the dispensing line 110 , base liquid from the base liquid source 104 is supplied to a base liquid input 174 of the dispensing line 110 , such as using a pump and / or by opening a valve (not shown) at the base liquid input 174 .

[0073] exist Figure 1B In the specific example of the invention, the beverage concentrate is supplied to the beverage concentrate input 176 of the dispensing line 110. In this way, in-line mixing of the base liquid and the beverage concentrate can be achieved, preferably without any mixing chamber. Figure 1B As shown schematically, a first mixing area 122 is provided in the dispensing line 110 downstream of the beverage concentrate input 176. In the first mixing area 122, the base liquid is allowed to mix with the beverage concentrate. It should be understood that the first mixing area 122 is located within the dispensing line 110. In the first mixing area 122, any number of mixing aids may be provided, optionally, to improve the mixing of the base liquid and the beverage concentrate. The one or more mixing aids are preferably passive mixing aids. Further preferably, the base liquid and the beverage concentrate are mixed into a substantially homogeneous primary liquid, particularly before reaching the secondary liquid input 178.

[0074] Typically, the primary liquid itself may be a beverage suitable for consumption. For example, the primary liquid may be a substantially non-alcoholic beverage, such as a non-alcoholic brewed beverage, in particular a non-alcoholic beer substantially free of one or more hop compounds. Non-alcoholic beverages may typically have an alcohol content of less than 1%, less than 0.5%, less than 0.1%, or even less than 0.05% by volume, for example depending on the legislation of a particular country or region.

[0075] At the secondary liquid input 178 , secondary liquid from the secondary liquid source 108 may be supplied into the dispensing line 110 , particularly at a location downstream of at least a portion of the first mixing area 122 , preferably downstream of the entire first mixing area 122 .

[0076] Downstream of the secondary liquid input 178, a second mixing region 124 is provided in the distribution line 110, in which the primary liquid is allowed to mix with the secondary liquid. The second mixing region 124 is located inside the distribution line 110. In this way, in-line mixing of the primary liquid and the secondary liquid can be achieved, preferably without any mixing chamber. In the second mixing region 124, any number of mixing aids can be present to improve the mixing of the primary liquid and the secondary liquid, the mixing aids being preferably passive mixing aids.

[0077] At the dispensing outlet 120 of the dispensing line 110 , downstream of the second mixing zone 124 , a preferably substantially homogenous mixed beverage 112 may be dispensed from the outlet 120 of the dispensing line 110 .

[0078] At the base liquid input 174, the beverage concentrate input 176 and / or the secondary liquid input 178, a T-joint, a Y-joint, or a generally bifurcated joint may be included in the distribution line 110 to allow the two fluid streams to be mixed together. The bifurcated joint allows the two fluid streams to be mixed online into a single fluid stream. Generally, the fluid streams may flow in the same or similar direction before being mixed together. More specifically, the fluid streams may flow substantially parallel or even substantially coaxially before being mixed together. Alternatively, the fluid streams may generally flow at an angle relative to each other, but converge to the same point or region. The fluid stream may, for example, include one or more base liquids, one or more beverage concentrates, one or more primary liquids, and / or one or more secondary liquids.

[0079] Figure 2 A partially exploded view of a first embodiment of a beverage dispensing assembly 100 is schematically shown. Figure 2 A glass 200 is shown, which does not form part of the assembly but is shown merely as an example, which glass 200 may be filled with a mixed beverage prepared and dispensed by the beverage dispensing assembly 100. The assembly 100 comprises a beverage dispenser 102 which generally comprises a housing 101 which is shown only schematically in the figure.

[0080] The beverage dispenser 102 includes a dispensing line 110 to which a base liquid, a beverage concentrate, and a secondary liquid may be supplied in a specific sequence as disclosed herein.

[0081] To provide a base liquid, the beverage dispensing assembly 100 includes a base liquid container 104 having a base liquid connector 134 configured to be operably connected to a base liquid interface 144 of the beverage dispenser 102 .

[0082] As Figure 2In the specific option shown, the beverage dispensing assembly 100 also includes a beverage concentrate container 106 as an example of a beverage concentrate source. The container 106 can be, for example, a capsule, a pod, a pouch, a bag-in-container, a keg, or any other suitable container. The beverage concentrate container 106 is provided with a connector 136 as an option, through which the container 106 is operably connected to a beverage concentrate interface 146 included in the beverage dispenser 102.

[0083] The connector 136 and the interface 146 allow the beverage concentrate container 106 to be replaceably connected to the beverage dispenser 102. For example, after the beverage concentrate container 106 is at least partially emptied, the container 106 can be disconnected and replaced, for example, with another beverage concentrate container including the same type of beverage concentrate, or conceivably another type of beverage concentrate to form another mixed beverage.

[0084] As Figure 2 In another specific option shown, the beverage dispensing assembly 100 also includes a secondary liquid container 108 as a secondary liquid source. The container 108 can be, for example, a capsule, a pod, a pouch, a bag-in-container, a keg, or any other suitable container. The secondary liquid container 108 is operably connected to the secondary liquid interface 148 of the beverage dispenser 102.

[0085] Generally, when the container is operably connected to the interface of the beverage dispenser 102, the interior volume of the container can be placed in fluid communication with the beverage dispenser 102, and in particular, with the dispensing line 110 of the beverage dispenser.

[0086] The connector 138 and the interface 148 allow the secondary liquid container 108 to be replaceably connected to the beverage dispenser 102. For example, after the secondary liquid container 108 is at least partially emptied, the container 108 can be disconnected and replaced, for example, with another secondary liquid container including the same type of secondary liquid, or conceivably another type of secondary liquid, to form another mixed beverage.

[0087] Connectors 134, 136 and 138 and interfaces 144, 146 and 148 are Figure 2144 and 146. Thus, these interfaces can be used, for example, interchangeably to connect a base liquid container, a beverage concentrate container, or a secondary liquid container thereto. It should be understood that in any embodiment of the beverage dispensing assembly, the base liquid interface 144 and / or the beverage concentrate interface 146 may be incompatible with the connector 138 of the secondary liquid container, and / or the secondary liquid interface 148 may be incompatible with the beverage concentrate interface 136 and / or the base liquid interface 144. In this way, the user can be prevented from accidentally changing the order in which the base liquid, beverage concentrate, and secondary liquid are mixed together in the beverage dispenser 102.

[0088] Generally, the connection between interfaces, such as the beverage concentrate interface 146 or the secondary liquid interface 148, may be a threaded connection, a bayonet connection, a twist or swivel connection, a clamp connection, any other type of connection, or any implementation thereof.

[0089] Figure 3 A partially exploded view of a second embodiment of a beverage dispensing assembly 100 is schematically shown. Figure 3 A glass 200 is shown which may be filled with a mixed beverage, the glass not forming part of the assembly but being shown merely as an example.

[0090] exist Figure 3 In a particular embodiment, as an option applicable to any embodiment of the beverage dispensing assembly 100, the base liquid source is a faucet 104 as an example of a tap water supply. A fluid conduit 114, such as a flexible tube, can be included by the assembly 100 coupled between the faucet 104 and the beverage dispenser 102 so that tap water can be supplied to the dispensing line 110.

[0091] like Figure 3 As shown, an embodiment of a beverage concentrate container 106 as a beverage concentrate source may include a beverage concentrate conduit 156. The beverage concentrate conduit 156 may include a flexible conduit or a nozzle, the flexible conduit is, for example, a flexible tube, and the nozzle is, in particular, a rigid nozzle. Similarly, as a further option, an embodiment of a secondary liquid container 108 as a secondary liquid source may include a secondary liquid conduit 158. The secondary liquid conduit 158 ​​may include a flexible conduit or a nozzle, the flexible conduit is, for example, a flexible tube, and the nozzle is, in particular, a rigid nozzle.

[0092] The beverage concentrate conduit 156 may be connected to a beverage concentrate input 176 of the dispensing line 110. This connection may be direct or indirect through one or more interconnecting couplings. The secondary liquid conduit 158 ​​may be connected to a secondary liquid input 178 of the dispensing line. This connection may be direct or indirect through one or more interconnecting couplings.

[0093] It should be understood that any options disclosed in conjunction with the first embodiment of the beverage dispensing assembly can be easily applied to the second embodiment of the beverage dispensing assembly, and any options disclosed in conjunction with the second embodiment of the beverage dispensing assembly can be easily applied to the first embodiment of the beverage dispensing assembly. In addition, any other options disclosed herein that are not directly combined with the first or second embodiments of the beverage dispensing assembly can be easily applied to the first and second embodiments, such as those involving the type of mixed beverage, the type of beverage concentrate, the type of secondary liquid, the order in which different liquids are mixed, the type of container for supplying any liquid to the beverage dispenser, and any combination thereof.

[0094] The present disclosure can be summarized in a non-limiting manner by way of numbered embodiments:

[0095] 1. A method for preparing and dispensing a mixed beverage using a beverage dispensing assembly, the method comprising the steps of:

[0096] - mixing the base liquid with the beverage concentrate to form a primary liquid in a beverage dispenser of the beverage dispensing assembly;

[0097] - mixing the primary liquid with a volume of a secondary liquid comprising ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds to form a mixed beverage in a beverage dispenser; and - dispensing the mixed beverage from a dispensing outlet of the beverage dispenser;

[0098] Such that when preparing a mixed beverage, the volume of secondary liquid is mixed with the beverage concentrate after the beverage concentrate has been at least partially mixed with the base liquid to form the primary liquid.

[0099] 2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the secondary liquid comprises ethanol and hop compounds.

[0100] 3. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the beverage concentrate is substantially free of ethanol.

[0101] 4. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the beverage concentrate is substantially free of hop compounds.

[0102] 5. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base liquid and the beverage concentrate are supplied from separate sources.

[0103] 6. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the beverage concentrate and the secondary liquid are supplied from separate sources.

[0104] 7. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base liquid is or comprises carbonated water.

[0105] 8. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the beverage concentrate is based on a fermented beverage, in particular beer.

[0106] 9. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the beverage concentrate is supplied from a beverage concentrate container, such as a capsule, and wherein a plurality of different volumes of mixed beverages are dispensed using the beverage concentrate from the same beverage concentrate container.

[0107] 10. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base liquid and the beverage concentrate are mixed together in a dispensing line of the beverage dispensing assembly.

[0108] 11. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the primary liquid and the secondary liquid are mixed together in a dispensing line of the beverage dispensing assembly.

[0109] 12. The method according to embodiment 10 or 11, further comprising flushing at least a portion of the dispensing line with the base liquid.

[0110] 13. The method according to any one of embodiments 10-12, further comprising purging at least part of the distribution line with a gas, in particular carbon dioxide.

[0111] 14. The method according to any one of embodiments 10 to 13, further comprising: flushing at least part of the distribution line with the secondary liquid, in particular, wherein the secondary liquid comprises ethanol.

[0112] 15. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the volume ratio of the base liquid and the beverage concentrate in the primary liquid is greater than 4, in particular greater than 6 or even greater than 8 or more.

[0113] 16. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the primary liquid comprises protein, in particular wherein the beverage concentrate comprises protein.

[0114] 17. A beverage dispensing assembly for preparing and dispensing a mixed beverage, the dispensing assembly comprising a beverage dispenser, the beverage dispenser comprising:

[0115] - a distribution line having a distribution outlet at a downstream end of the distribution line;

[0116] -basic liquid input;

[0117] - a beverage concentrate input; and

[0118] - a secondary liquid inlet;

[0119] wherein the base liquid input is in fluid communication with the dispensing line, the beverage concentrate input is in fluid communication with the dispensing line, and the secondary liquid input is in fluid communication with the dispensing line, and

[0120] Therein, the secondary liquid inlet is connected to the dispensing line downstream with respect to the base liquid inlet and the beverage concentrate inlet, and the secondary liquid inlet is connected to the dispensing line upstream with respect to the dispensing outlet.

[0121] 18. The beverage dispensing assembly of embodiment 17, further comprising a beverage concentrate container, such as a beverage concentrate cartridge, comprising a volume of beverage concentrate, the beverage concentrate container being replaceably connectable to the beverage concentrate input.

[0122] 19. A beverage dispensing assembly according to embodiment 18, wherein the beverage dispensing assembly further comprises a beverage concentrate conduit, the beverage concentrate conduit fluidly connecting the beverage concentrate container and the beverage concentrate input portion, the beverage concentrate conduit being releasably connected to the beverage concentrate container and / or the dispensing line.

[0123] 20. The beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of embodiments 17-19 further comprises a secondary liquid container, such as a cartridge, comprising a volume of a secondary liquid comprising ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds, the secondary liquid container being releasably connected to the secondary liquid input portion.

[0124] 21. A beverage dispensing assembly according to embodiment 20, wherein the beverage dispensing assembly further comprises a secondary liquid conduit fluidly connecting the secondary liquid container and the secondary liquid input portion, the secondary liquid conduit being releasably connectable to the secondary liquid container and / or the dispensing line.

[0125] 22. The beverage dispensing assembly of any one of embodiments 17-21, wherein:

[0126] The beverage dispenser has no mixing chamber for mixing the base liquid and the beverage concentrate together and / or for mixing the base liquid, the beverage concentrate and the secondary liquid together.

[0127] 23. The beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of embodiments 17 to 22, wherein the maximum flow area for the fluid is 70 mm 2, the maximum flow area is for a fluid passing through the dispensing line between the base liquid input and the dispensing outlet and / or between the beverage concentrate input and the dispensing outlet.

Claims

1. A method for preparing and dispensing a mixed beverage using a beverage dispensing assembly, the method comprising the steps of: mixing a base liquid and a beverage concentrate together to form a primary liquid in a beverage dispenser of the beverage dispensing assembly; mixing the primary liquid with a volume of a secondary liquid to form the mixed beverage in the beverage dispenser, the secondary liquid comprising ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds; as well as dispensing the mixed beverage from a dispensing outlet of the beverage dispenser; Such that in preparing the mixed beverage, the volume of secondary liquid is mixed with the beverage concentrate after the beverage concentrate has been at least partially mixed with the base liquid to form the primary liquid.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The secondary liquid includes ethanol and hop compounds.

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The beverage concentrate is substantially free of ethanol.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The beverage concentrate is substantially free of hop compounds.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The beverage concentrate is supplied from a beverage concentrate container, such as a capsule, and wherein a plurality of different volumes of mixed beverages are dispensed using the beverage concentrate from the same beverage concentrate container.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The base liquid and the beverage concentrate are mixed together in a dispensing line of the beverage dispensing assembly.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The primary liquid and the secondary liquid are mixed together in a dispensing line of the beverage dispensing assembly.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising: At least a portion of the dispensing line is flushed with the base liquid.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising: At least a portion of the distribution line is purged with a gas, in particular carbon dioxide.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising: At least a portion of the dispensing line is flushed with the secondary liquid, in particular, wherein the secondary liquid comprises ethanol.

11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The volume ratio of the base liquid to the beverage concentrate in the primary liquid is greater than 4, in particular greater than 6 or even 8 or more.

12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The primary liquid comprises protein, in particular wherein the beverage concentrate comprises protein.

13. A beverage dispensing assembly for preparing and dispensing a mixed beverage, the dispensing assembly comprising a beverage dispenser, the beverage dispenser comprising: a distribution line having a distribution outlet at a downstream end of the distribution line; Basic liquid input unit; Beverage concentrate input section; as well as A secondary liquid input; wherein the base liquid input is in fluid communication with the dispensing line, the beverage concentrate input is in fluid communication with the dispensing line, and the secondary liquid input is in fluid communication with the dispensing line; and Therein, the secondary liquid input is connected to the dispensing line downstream relative to the base liquid input and the beverage concentrate input, and the secondary liquid input is connected to the dispensing line upstream relative to the dispensing outlet.

14. The beverage dispensing assembly of claim 13, wherein: The beverage dispenser is devoid of a mixing chamber for mixing a base liquid and a beverage concentrate together and / or for mixing the base liquid, the beverage concentrate and a secondary liquid together.

15. A beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 13-14, wherein: The maximum flow area of ​​the fluid through the dispensing line between the base liquid input and the dispensing outlet and / or between the beverage concentrate input and the dispensing outlet is 70 mm 2 .

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