Cap for whiskey aging bottle with ultrasonic function

Abstract

To provide a method for allowing a consumer to adjust an aging degree and a flavor of whiskey in a short term and inexpensively, according to his / her taste.SOLUTION: There is provided a cap of a bottle having an ultrasonic vibrator, the ultrasonic vibrator generating ultrasonic for achieving uniform mixing of alcohol and water in the bottle. In addition, by arranging burnt chip in the bottle, the flavor of the whiskey can be enhanced in a short term.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Technical Field: Beverage aging technology, ultrasonic technology Beverage aging technology is a technology for improving the flavor and quality of beverages and has a long history. In particular, in alcoholic beverages such as whiskey and wine, aging is a factor that greatly affects their flavor and value. Aging is a process of storing beverages under specific conditions and promoting chemical and physical changes over time to enrich the flavor and aroma. Barrel aging: Especially in whiskey and wine, aging in wooden barrels is carried out. Unique flavors and aromas are added to the beverage depending on the material and baking of the barrel. Bottle aging: Aging in a sealed bottle. This applies to wine etc., and the flavor changes with long-term aging.

Background Art

[0002] The aging of whiskey and other distilled spirits is a process that takes a long time to form unique flavors and tastes. Traditionally, long-term aging in oak barrels is common, and during this process, components from the wood penetrate into the liquor, enriching the flavor and color. 1. Interaction between water and alcohol: During aging, water and alcohol (mainly ethanol) dissolve into each other to form a more homogeneous mixture. In this process, the pungency of alcohol may gradually become smoother. 2. **Extraction of components from wooden barrels**: Whiskey is usually aged in wooden barrels (mostly oak). Various compounds migrate from the wood of this barrel into the whiskey, affecting the aroma and taste. This includes tannins and vanillin, etc., and these components have the effect of mellowing the pungency of whiskey. In recent years, research has been conducted on accelerating the aging of liquor using ultrasonic technology. In particular, it is known that by using powerful ultrasonic vibrations of high voltage, it is possible to mellow the taste of liquor in a short time. However, this method requires large-scale equipment and a dedicated power supply and is not suitable for home use or portability. Ultrasonic waves have the property of being very easily transmitted in water. Utilizing this characteristic, an ultrasonic humidifier generates ultrasonic waves from a transducer (vibrator) installed in water. As a result, the water molecules vibrate at high speed, generating fine water droplets that turn into mist. The frequency of the transducer (vibrator) used in this ultrasonic humidifier is in the MHz band. The energy that the vibration of ultrasonic waves in the MHz band imparts to water molecules is not strong enough to cause cavitation (the phenomenon where bubbles are generated and collapse in a liquid), but it can still potentially sufficiently affect the physical and chemical properties of the liquid. For example, in the process of aging a liquid using ultrasonic waves, this vibration is expected to accelerate chemical reactions and promote aging. As a conclusion, considering the mechanism of an ultrasonic humidifier, although strong energy that causes cavitation is not necessary, the stimulation that the vibration by ultrasonic waves imparts to the liquid can effectively act on its properties and bring about desirable changes. The idea this time emphasizes portability and realizes home aging by using an ultrasonic atomization unit that operates with a 5V power supply. Due to the 5V limitation, the power of the ultrasonic waves is limited, but by using a high frequency of 1.8 MHz, the mixing of alcohol and water can be promoted more than in normal cases, and the acceleration of aging can be achieved. Also, by adding charred wood chips to the wine, a woody flavor can be added, and a stronger taste can be obtained in a shorter period than when ultrasonic waves are not used. With this combination, home aging can be enjoyed, and the taste can be explored while cultivating the degree of aging.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

Non-Patent Document 3

Non-Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a new approach that enables individual consumers to control the aging and flavor changes of whiskey and enjoy the process. While the value of conventional whiskey depends on age and rarity, this invention finds value in the act of "growing" whiskey itself and proposes a new way for consumers to engage with whiskey. Consumers can adjust the flavor and quality of whiskey to their liking throughout the aging process, adding a new dimension to the way whiskey is enjoyed. This technology aims to expand the value of whiskey not only to brand, rarity, and aging period, but also to the individual "growing" process, and provide it in a more accessible form.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The means adopted by this invention to solve the problems are as follows: 1. **Utilization of ultrasonic vibrator**: Use an ultrasonic vibrator that operates at a low voltage to promote the aging of alcoholic beverages such as whiskey and impart a mellow taste. 2. **Utilization of portable power source**: By supplying power from a mobile battery via a USB port, the aging process can be carried out anywhere. 3. **Use of wood chips**: By putting various types of charred wood chips into whiskey, a woody flavor unique to aged liquor is added. 4. **Provision of customizability**: Users can freely select the irradiation time of ultrasonic waves and the type of wood chips to create their preferred flavor. 5. **Simple operation**: Complicated operations and settings are not required. Just connect the power supply to the USB port and turn on the switch to start the aging process. By these means, this invention enables whiskey enthusiasts to easily adjust the aging degree at home and provides new options in the aged liquor market.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] This invention brings about the following multiple effects: 1. Rapid aging process: By utilizing ultrasonic technology, it is possible to create flavors similar to those aged over several weeks to several months, rather than the several years required for conventional aging. 2. Improved cost efficiency: Instead of purchasing expensive aged liquor, purchase affordable unaged liquor and age it at home to reduce the economic burden. 3. Customizable flavor**: Users can create personalized flavors by adjusting the type of wood chips and the ultrasonic irradiation time according to their preferences. 4. Simple operability: Specialized knowledge and aging equipment are not required. Power can be supplied through the USB port, and ultrasonic irradiation can be started with simple operations. This invention can easily provide the enjoyment of aged liquor to more people and has the potential to create a new home-brew culture.

Brief Explanation of the Drawings

[0008] Inside the cap shown in the figure, an ultrasonic vibrator of 1.8 MHz is stored. This ultrasonic vibrator operates by receiving power from an external power source, specifically a mobile battery that supplies USB voltage. On the side of the cap, a USB Type-C port for connecting this power supply is provided.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0009] As an embodiment for implementing this invention, it can be used in the following procedure: 1. Preparation: The user prepares a special bottle and checks the ultrasonic vibrator incorporated in its cap. The cap has a USB port and is used to supply power from an external mobile battery. 2. Selection and Insertion of Wood Chips: The user selects various types of charred wood chips to create the desired flavor and inserts them into the bottle. 3. Pouring of Whiskey: Pour whiskey into the bottle. At this time, make sure the wood chips are immersed in the whiskey. 4. Connection of Power Supply: Connect a mobile battery to the USB port incorporated in the cap to supply power to the ultrasonic vibrator. 5. Start of Ultrasonic Irradiation: When the power is turned on, the ultrasonic vibrator operates and irradiates the whiskey with ultrasonic waves. This ultrasonic wave uniformly mixes the molecules of alcohol and water, promoting the aging process. 6. Setting of Aging Period: The user sets an arbitrary aging period. It can be set short for a light aging in a short period, or long for a deeper aging flavor. 7. Completion of Aging: When an arbitrary aging period has elapsed, the user disconnects the USB and stops the operation of the ultrasonic vibrator. 8. Tasting and Enjoyment: The aged whiskey can be enjoyed with the woody flavor added by the wood chips and the mild taste by the ultrasonic waves. The user can taste their own customized whiskey. Through this procedure, the user can easily enjoy aging whiskey at home for an aging period according to their preferences.

Industrial Applicability

[0010] 1. Whiskey Manufacturers: They can launch whiskey on the market with the catchphrase "Aged at Home" as a new product line. Offer unaged or short-aged whiskey at a low price and provide consumers with the experience of aging it according to their preferences. 2. Bars and Restaurants: By offering original aged whiskey, a unique menu can be developed. By showing customers the aging process, a new dining experience is provided. 3. Gift industry: Offer a unique aged whiskey kit as a gift for whiskey lovers and DIY enthusiasts. On anniversaries and special days, offer the experience of making original aged whiskey as a gift.

Claims

**Claim 1** A bottle cap equipped with an ultrasonic vibrator, wherein the ultrasonic vibrator generates ultrasonic waves for homogenizing the mixture of alcohol and water in the bottle. **Claim 2** The bottle cap according to Claim 1, further having a function of enhancing the flavor of whiskey in a short period by placing charred wood chips in the bottle. **Claim 3** The bottle cap according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the cap is provided with a USB port for receiving power supply from the outside. **Claim 4** The bottle cap according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the ultrasonic vibrator has an effect of making the taste mild by promoting the mixture of alcohol and water and accelerating the aging effect.

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