Method and apparatus for preparing and dispensing post-mix beverages

Abstract

A method for preparing and dispensing a post-mix beverage using a beverage dispensing assembly (100) includes: mixing a base liquid (104) and a beverage concentrate (106) in a beverage dispenser (102) of the beverage dispensing assembly (100) to form a primary liquid (111); mixing the primary liquid (111) with a secondary liquid (108) comprising ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds to form a post-mix beverage in the beverage dispenser (102); and dispensing the post-mix beverage from a dispensing outlet (120) of the beverage dispenser (102), wherein in preparing the post-mix beverage, a predetermined 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) and the primary liquid (111).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Aspects and embodiments thereof relate to the field of forming and dispensing post-mix beverages formed by mixing a beverage concentrate with a base liquid. [Background technology]

[0002] Beverages such as soft drinks, beer, and cocktails are often consumed in locations other than where they are produced. Therefore, the beverages must be transported. To reduce the mass and volume to be transported, it has been proposed to concentrate the beverages, i.e., reduce their water content, before transportation. The beverage concentrate can be mixed with a base liquid to obtain a post-mix beverage with a consistency, thickness, and flavor approximating that of the original beverage.

[0003] Cartridges (also known as containers, pods, pouches, or capsules) can be used to hold the beverage concentrate. Post-mix beverages are prepared by mixing the concentrate with a base liquid, such as water. Mixing may occur in a beverage dispenser. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It has been observed that post-mix beverages appear hazy, i.e., have high turbidity and / or appear cloudy after dispensing, and / or that the post-mix beverage is not homogeneously mixed. The turbidity may be higher than the beverage on which the beverage concentrate is based, which may be undesirable for aesthetic and / or other reasons. If the post-mix beverage is not homogeneously mixed, for example, flavor concentrations may not be evenly distributed throughout the post-mix beverage, which may adversely affect the consumer's drinking experience.

[0005] A general objective is to reduce the turbidity of a post-mix beverage formed by mixing one or more beverage concentrates with one or more base liquids. Preferably, the turbidity is reduced so that the turbidity of the post-mix beverage corresponds to or approximately corresponds to the turbidity of the beverage on which the concentrated beverage is based. Alternatively or additionally, a general objective is to reduce the particle count in a post-mix beverage formed by mixing one or more beverage concentrates with one or more base liquids, for example, to improve the taste, perceived quality, and / or appearance of the post-mix beverage.

[0006] Additionally or alternatively, the objective may be to mix a beverage concentrate with one or more base liquids to obtain a substantially homogeneous post-mix beverage. Furthermore, the objective may be to dispense a post-mix beverage instead of dispensing a beverage concentrate and a base liquid into a beverage container such that the beverage concentrate and base liquid are subsequently or simultaneously mixed within the beverage container itself. This may, for example, improve a user's visual experience of viewing the stream of post-mix beverage exiting the beverage dispenser, similar to a conventional beverage dispenser dispensing a conventional non-post-mix beverage.

[0007] Additionally or alternatively, mixing of the ingredients forming the post-mix beverage by and / or within a beverage dispenser, instead of dispensing them individually into a beverage container, such that the ingredients forming the post-mix beverage enter and mix within the beverage container itself, may improve mixing of the ingredients forming the post-mix beverage. Furthermore, mixing by a beverage dispenser may offer improved control of the mixing process compared to dispensing the ingredients forming the post-mix beverage individually into a beverage container, such that the ingredients enter and mix within the beverage container itself. The mixing of the different ingredients forming the post-mix beverage is commonly referred to as preparing a post-mix beverage. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0009] In this method, a base liquid is mixed with a beverage concentrate to form a primary liquid, the primary liquid being formed specifically within a beverage dispenser.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, additional flavorings, ethanol, or any other compounds, particularly hop compounds, are added to a primary liquid to form a desired post-mix beverage, such as beer. To this end, the method includes mixing at least a portion of the primary liquid with a predetermined volume of a secondary liquid containing ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds to form a post-mix beverage in a beverage dispenser, and dispensing the post-mix beverage from a dispensing outlet of the beverage dispenser. This allows the use of beverage concentrates that may have a lower ethanol and / or hop compound content compared to previously used beverage concentrates that were capable of preparing post-mix beverages by mixing the beverage concentrate with one or more base liquids, while still resulting in a post-mix beverage having the same or similar ethanol and / or hop compound content as the previously formed post-mix beverage.

[0011] In this method, a predetermined volume of a secondary liquid is mixed with the beverage concentrate after the beverage concentrate has been at least partially mixed (i.e., diluted) with the base liquid. The primary liquid typically has a low concentration of compounds from the beverage concentrate compared to the beverage concentrate itself, since many compounds in the beverage concentrate are not comprised in the base liquid.

[0012] It will be understood that embodiments of the present methods are also contemplated in which the primary liquid is formed by mixing one or more base liquids with one or more beverage concentrates in any combination. It will be understood that where a single base liquid and / or a single beverage concentrate is referred to herein, multiple base liquids and / or multiple beverage concentrates are also contemplated. Additionally or alternatively, one or more secondary liquids comprising ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds can be mixed with the primary liquid in any combination.

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

[0014] The secondary liquid may comprise ethanol, one or more hop compounds, or a combination of ethanol and one or more hop compounds. When multiple secondary liquids are used, the multiple secondary liquids may be mixed with the primary liquid in any order. For example, when mixing a first secondary liquid containing ethanol and a second secondary liquid containing hop compounds with the primary liquid, one of the two secondary liquids may be mixed with the primary liquid first, followed by the other of the two secondary liquids in any combination. Additionally, the secondary liquid may comprise any flavoring, e.g., one or more aromatic compounds, esters, and / or alcohols, in any combination. In embodiments of the present method, multiple secondary liquids may be mixed with the primary liquid.

[0015] Preferably, the beverage concentrate is essentially ethanol-free. It has been observed that, compared to an essentially ethanol-free beverage concentrate, the essentially ethanol-free beverage concentrate may allow the beverage concentrate to be formed with a higher flavoring agent concentration and / or may be more stable during storage and / or may be less susceptible to the formation of particles in the concentrate, for example, formed by proteins or sugars in the beverage concentrate.

[0016] However, if the desired post-mix beverage contains ethanol, then the ethanol must be added using a liquid other than the beverage concentrate if the beverage concentrate is essentially ethanol-free. Essentially ethanol-free may be understood as less than 1% ethanol by volume, less than 0.5% ethanol by volume, or less than 0.05% ethanol by volume for the beverage concentrate. The secondary liquid may contain ethanol to achieve the desired alcohol volume content of the post-mix beverage.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0023] The beverage concentrate may contain maltose at 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 at 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 at a concentration of 1 to 30 g / L, more preferably 2 to 25 g / L, even more preferably 2.5 to 22 g / L, and most preferably 3 to 20 g / L. In other embodiments, the beverage concentrate may contain maltose at a concentration of 80 to 400 g / L, more preferably 100 to 300 g / L, even more preferably 140 to 280 g / L, and most preferably 150 to 250 g / L.

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

[0026] In certain embodiments, the beverage concentrate comprises 100-1,200 mg / L acetic acid, 0-20 g / L maltose, and 1-30 g / L maltotriose, hi another particular 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, and most preferably 45-53 mN / m. Higher surface tension may be preferred to reduce undesirable foaming. Surface tension is measured using a Kruss 9 tensiometer equipped with a Wilhelmy plate.

[0028] The beverage concentrate contains dissolved carbon dioxide in the range of 0 to 500 mg / L, more preferably 0 to 200 mg / L, and most preferably 0 to 100 mg / L.

[0029] When the beverage concentrate is based on a fermented beverage, the beverage concentrate can 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 flavoring concentration of the fermented beverage. For example, if the beverage concentrate contains four times more flavoring per volume than a conventional beverage, the beverage concentrate must be diluted four times to obtain the desired concentration of flavoring.

[0030] Generally, a beverage concentrate may be essentially free of hop compounds. A beverage concentrate essentially free of hop compounds may be obtained by forming the beverage concentrate from a fermented beverage brewed without added hops. Essentially 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] A high concentration of flavoring may result in a high dry matter content in the beverage concentrate, which is higher than the typical dry matter content in a conventional beverage. A high concentration of flavoring may be obtained, for example, by brewing a fermented beverage using high concentrations of ingredients such as grains, such as barley malt, wheat, and / or corn, compared to the concentrations of ingredients used to brew conventional beverages that are not typically mixed with a base liquid before consumption.

[0032] Beverage concentrates generally can contain one or more flavorings, for example, intended to mimic the flavor of other beverages. In particular, flavorings can be used to mimic the flavor of fermented beverages such as beer, wine, cider, etc. The flavorings can be, for example, aromatic compounds, esters, or alcohols. Beverage concentrates can be obtained by mixing one or more flavorings, particularly in aqueous solutions. It will therefore be understood that beverage concentrates can also be formed without a brewing or fermentation process. Typically, beverage concentrates have a higher viscosity than the base liquid and / or secondary liquid.

[0033] The base liquid, or potential base liquid, with which the beverage concentrate is mixed to form the post-mix beverage may be or include water or carbonated water. The beverage concentrate may then be used to add additional flavors 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 typically contain chemical compounds such as alpha acids such as humulone (alpha-lupulonic acid), iso-alpha acids such as isohumulone, beta acids such as lupulone, essential oils, flavonoids such as xanthohumol, etc. These hop compounds may be naturally derived, i.e., derived from actual hop plants, particularly the flowers of the hop plant Humulus lupulus, or may be synthetic.

[0035] The base liquid and the beverage concentrate may be provided from separate sources. For example, if the base liquid includes water, the source of the base liquid may be a drinking water source, such as a tap for providing tap water. Alternatively, the beverage dispenser may include a base liquid reservoir for holding a quantity of the base liquid. Thus, the base liquid may be water or carbonated water, or may consist of carbonated water. If essentially non-carbonated water is provided to the beverage dispenser, the beverage dispenser or beverage dispensing assembly may include a carbonator for carbonating the water. Preferably, the water is carbonated before being mixed with the beverage concentrate. Thus, the post-mix beverage may be a carbonated post-mix beverage.

[0036] The beverage concentrate is preferably provided in the form of an interchangeable beverage concentrate container, such as a cartridge, cup, pouch, bag, bag-in-container, bag-in-box, or keg. The beverage concentrate container generally holds a volume of beverage concentrate for preparing and dispensing a single serving of post-mix beverage or multiple servings of post-mix beverage, e.g., 1 L, 2 L, 5 L, or even 10 L or more. For example, preferred volumes of post-mix beverages dispensed as single servings may be 200 mL, 250 mL, 300 mL, 500 mL, or 568 mL (i.e., 1 pint). Preferably, multiple different volumes of post-mix beverages are dispensed using beverage concentrate from the same beverage concentrate container. The beverage concentrate container can hold 100 mL or more, 250 mL or more, 500 mL or more, 1 liter or more, even 2 liters or more, or even 5 liters or more of beverage concentrate.

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

[0038] The secondary liquid may be supplied to the beverage dispensing assembly using a replaceable secondary liquid container, such as a cartridge, cup, pouch, bag, bag-in-container, bag-in-box, keg, or other liquid container. The secondary liquid container may generally hold a volume of secondary liquid corresponding to a single serving of post-mixed beverage or multiple servings of post-mixed beverage, e.g., 1 L, 2 L, 5 L, or 10 L or more of post-mixed beverage. The secondary liquid container may hold 100 mL or more, 250 mL or more, 500 mL or more, 1 L or more, 2 L or more, 5 L or more of secondary liquid.

[0039] The interface between the beverage dispenser and the beverage concentrate container and the interface between the beverage dispenser and the secondary liquid container may be different, such that the beverage concentrate container and the secondary liquid container each have their own unique interface with the beverage dispenser, or the interface between the beverage dispenser and the beverage concentrate container and the interface between the beverage dispenser and the secondary liquid container may be essentially the same, such that the beverage concentrate container and the secondary liquid container are interchangeably connected to the same interface with the beverage dispenser.

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

[0041] Preferably, when mixing two liquids, the mixing occurs in a dispensing line, thereby avoiding the use of a mixing chamber. Typically, when mixing in a mixing chamber, a gas, such as air, is present in the mixing chamber, at least for a portion of the mixing time. This gas creates a headspace that is preferably avoided because it can, for example, cause excessive foaming or allow carbon dioxide to escape from liquids, such as carbonated-based liquids.

[0042] It will be understood that in general, a dispensing line may be formed by a single conduit or by a plurality of connected conduits forming the dispensing line. The conduits may be connected to form a network of conduits with the conduits arranged in series and / or in parallel. The conduits may, for example, be composed of tubing, e.g., flexible or rigid tubing, which may, for example, be composed of one or more polymers. The different conduits of the dispensing line may be releasably connected to one another so that one or more conduits can be replaced. The ability to replace conduits may reduce the need for cleaning of the conduits. The maximum flow area or cross-sectional area of ​​the beverage through the dispensing line may, for example, be about 70 mm 2 Below, even 50mm 2 Below, and even 40mm 2 In other words, the internal diameter of the distribution line may be, for example, 9 mm or less.

[0043] The dispensing line may be disposed with one or more valves and / or one or more pumps that allow for controlling the flow or flows of liquids through the dispensing line. Generally, a beverage dispenser includes a controller arranged to operate the one or more valves and / or the one or more pumps, and in particular a controller arranged to control the order and ratio in which the base liquid, beverage concentrate, and secondary liquid are mixed before being dispensed as a post-mix beverage.

[0044] One or more passive mixers can be used to improve the mixing of two or more liquids in a dispensing line, such as mixing a base liquid with a beverage concentrate or mixing a primary liquid with a secondary liquid. Generally, a passive mixer can improve the mixing of two liquids. Improved mixing may require a reduction in the length of the dispensing line before the two liquids are sufficiently mixed. Passive mixers do not require an external energy input to mix two liquid streams, except for pressure on the two liquid streams to allow them to flow through the passive mixer.

[0045] Examples of passive mixers that can be readily adapted to any of the beverage dispenser embodiments disclosed herein include venturi ejectors, venturi injectors, and labyrinth mixers.

[0046] Cleaning a beverage dispenser, and in particular its dispensing lines, can be important for hygiene reasons and / or for the taste of post-mix beverages, especially when, for example, the beverage concentrate used has a relatively high sugar content and / or when different types of post-mix beverages are dispensed using a single beverage dispenser. It is envisioned that a stream containing or including a base liquid can be used to clean at least a portion of the dispensing line of the beverage dispenser. In this way, for example, a stream of water can be used as an example of a base liquid to conveniently clean at least a portion of the dispensing line. Preferably, the base liquid inlet is located at the upstream end of the dispensing line, allowing the base liquid to be used to clean the entire dispensing line.

[0047] In addition to, or instead of, using a base liquid to clean at least a portion of a dispensing line of a beverage dispenser, a secondary liquid can be used to clean at least a portion of the dispensing line, particularly when the secondary liquid comprises ethanol, preferably 40% or more by volume of ethanol, the secondary liquid is advantageously used to clean at least a portion of the dispensing line in a hygienic manner.

[0048] Flushing at least a portion of the dispensing line with the base liquid may be performed, inter alia, after preparing and dispensing a post-mix beverage using the beverage dispensing assembly and / or before preparing and dispensing further post-mix beverages using the beverage dispensing assembly.

[0049] In addition to, or instead of, using the base liquid and / or the second liquid to clean at least a portion of the dispensing lines of the beverage dispenser, a gas can be used to purge at least a portion of the dispensing lines. This gas, particularly carbon dioxide, may be supplied from the same or a similar source as that used to carbonate the base liquid. Purging at least a portion of the dispensing lines with a gas, particularly carbon dioxide, can occur after the beverage dispensing assembly has been used to prepare and dispense a post-mix beverage and / or before the beverage dispensing assembly is used to prepare and dispense additional post-mix beverages.

[0050] The base liquid, secondary liquid, gas, and / or other cleaning fluids may exit the beverage dispenser through a dispensing outlet that is also used to dispense the post-mix beverage. Alternatively, the base liquid, secondary liquid, gas, and / or other cleaning fluids may exit the beverage dispenser through a separate outlet, for example, to prevent a user from accidentally confusing the cleaning fluids with the post-mix beverage. Accordingly, the dispensing line may further include a flushing fluid outlet separate from the dispensing outlet, through which flushing fluid may be discarded.

[0051] The volume ratio of base liquid to beverage concentrate in the primary liquid may be greater than 4, particularly greater than 6, or even greater than 8. For example, a ratio of 4 would involve mixing 200 mL of base liquid with 50 mL of beverage concentrate to form, for example, 250 mL of primary liquid. The volume ratio of primary liquid to secondary liquid may depend, for example, on the desired alcohol volume content of the post-mix beverage and / or the desired flavor profile of the post-mix beverage, particularly bitterness expressed in International Bitterness Units (IBU). The alcohol volume content of the post-mix beverage may be, for example, 0.0% or greater, 2.0% or greater, 4.0% or greater, 5.0% or greater, or 7.0% or greater.

[0052] To form a particular post-mix beverage, such as a post-mix beer, the primary liquid may include one or more proteins, particularly those comprised by the beverage concentrate used to form the post-mix beverage.

[0053] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a beverage dispensing assembly for dispensing a post-mixed beverage, for example, according to any embodiment of the method according to the first aspect disclosed herein. The dispensing assembly includes a beverage dispenser including a dispensing line having a dispensing outlet, a base liquid inlet, a beverage concentrate inlet, and a secondary liquid inlet. As such, 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 further configured to mix the received base liquids, the received beverage concentrates, and the received secondary liquids to form a post-mixed beverage and dispense the post-mixed beverage from the dispensing outlet. As such, the post-mixed beverage can be prepared within and / or by the beverage dispenser by mixing the received base liquid, the received beverage concentrate, and the received secondary liquid.

[0054] To improve the mixing of the base liquid, beverage concentrate, and secondary liquid into a homogeneous post-mix beverage within the beverage dispenser, i.e., before the post-mix beverage exits the dispensing outlet, the beverage dispenser enables the base liquid, beverage concentrate, and secondary liquid to be mixed in a specific order. Preferably, the beverage dispenser first dilutes the beverage concentrate with one or more base liquids to form a primary liquid, and then the beverage dispenser mixes the primary liquid with a secondary liquid comprising ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds.

[0055] Generally, a base liquid inlet provides one or more base liquids to the dispensing line, a beverage concentrate inlet allows one or more beverage concentrates to be provided to the dispensing line, and a secondary liquid inlet provides one or more secondary liquids to the dispensing line.

[0056] Preferably, the beverage concentrate is dispensed from a beverage concentrate container that is replaceable from the beverage dispenser. In this manner, the beverage concentrate container can be replaced, for example, when the beverage concentrate container is empty and / or when a different post-mix beverage requiring a different type of beverage concentrate is desired. The beverage concentrate container can be placed in a beverage concentrate container receptacle of the beverage dispenser and / or the beverage concentrate container may include a connector connectable to an interface of the beverage dispenser to establish fluid communication between the interior volume of the beverage concentrate container in which the beverage concentrate resides and the beverage concentrate inlet.

[0057] The beverage dispensing assembly may further include a beverage concentrate conduit fluidly connecting the beverage concentrate container and the beverage concentrate inlet. 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 an additional beverage concentrate container.

[0058] Additionally or alternatively, the beverage concentrate conduit can be releasably connected to the beverage dispenser, in particular the dispensing line, so that, for example when replacing the beverage concentrate container, the beverage concentrate conduit can be removed from the beverage dispenser and, for example, discarded together with the beverage concentrate container. The beverage concentrate conduit is connected to the beverage concentrate container in an irrevocable manner. That is, when the beverage concentrate conduit is removed 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 include one or more secondary liquid containers. Generally, it is preferred that the secondary liquid be supplied to the beverage dispenser from a separate, replaceable secondary liquid container connected to the beverage dispenser. The beverage dispensing assembly may be provided with a secondary liquid conduit that fluidly connects the beverage concentrate container, and in particular its interior volume, with the beverage concentrate inlet. 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 does not have a mixing chamber for mixing the base liquid and the beverage concentrate and / or for mixing the base liquid, the beverage concentrate and the secondary liquid. Additionally or alternatively, the maximum flow area for fluid through the dispensing line between the base liquid inlet and the dispensing outlet and / or between the beverage concentrate inlet and the dispensing outlet is less than 70 mm 2 is. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0061] [Figure 1A] A beverage dispensing assembly is illustrated schematically. [Figure 1B] An example of a distribution line is shown diagrammatically. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic illustration of a first embodiment of a beverage dispensing assembly; [Figure 3] A second embodiment of a beverage dispensing assembly is illustrated schematically. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0062] FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic representation of a beverage dispensing assembly 100 that can be used in a method for preparing and dispensing a post-mix beverage, such as a post-mix brewed beverage, particularly a post-mix beer. The beverage dispensing assembly 100 includes a beverage dispenser 102, of which a dispensing line 110 is shown schematically in FIG. 1A. A dispensing outlet 120 is provided at the downstream end of the dispensing line 110. In use, the post-mix beverage, preferably a homogeneously mixed beverage, can be dispensed from the dispensing outlet 120 into, for example, a drinking glass or cup.

[0063] The beverage dispensing assembly 100 allows for the mixing of different liquids in a particular order in the beverage dispenser 102. It will be understood that the beverage dispenser 102 is only partially illustrated in FIG. 1A for clarity and simplicity of illustration.

[0064] 1A includes 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.

[0065] A base liquid source 104 may provide a flow of base liquid 114 to the dispensing line 110. A beverage concentrate source 106 may provide a flow of beverage concentrate 116 to the dispensing line 110. A secondary liquid source 108 may provide a flow of secondary liquid 118 to the dispensing line 110. In general, one, two, or all of the base liquid, beverage concentrate, and secondary liquid streams may be provided to the dispensing line simultaneously or separately, in any combination. Any liquid stream may be configured using, for example, one or more pumps and / or valves.

[0066] 1A , in the beverage dispenser 102, a beverage concentrate supply 106 is connected downstream of the base liquid supply 104, and a secondary liquid supply 108 is connected downstream of the beverage concentrate supply 106. Thus, in the beverage dispenser 102, a post-mix beverage can be prepared by first mixing a base liquid and a beverage concentrate into a primary liquid 111, and then mixing the primary liquid 111 with a secondary liquid to form a post-mix beverage 112. The post-mix beverage 112 is preferably essentially homogeneous before being dispensed from the dispensing outlet 120. It has been observed that mixing a secondary liquid containing ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds with the primary liquid results in a more homogeneous post-mix beverage compared to mixing the base liquid with the ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds before or during mixing of the base liquid with the beverage concentrate.

[0067] 1B is a schematic diagram of an example of a dispensing line 110 configured by any of the beverage dispensers 102 disclosed herein. In general, a base liquid can be supplied to the dispensing line 110 from any of the base liquid sources 104, a beverage concentrate can be supplied to the dispensing line 110 from any of the beverage concentrate sources 106, and a secondary liquid can be supplied to the dispensing line from any of the secondary liquid sources 108.

[0068] At or near the upstream end of the distribution line 110, base liquid from the base liquid source 104 is supplied to the base liquid inlet 174 of the distribution line 110, for example, using a pump and / or by opening a valve (not shown) at the base liquid inlet 174.

[0069] In the particular example of FIG. 1B , the beverage concentrate is provided to beverage concentrate inlet 176 of dispensing line 110. In this manner, in-line mixing of the base liquid and beverage concentrate is preferably achieved without the need for a mixing chamber. As shown schematically in FIG. 1B , a first mixing zone 122 is provided in dispensing line 110 downstream of beverage concentrate inlet 176. In first mixing zone 122, the base liquid is allowed to mix with the beverage concentrate. It will be understood that first mixing zone 122 is disposed within dispensing line 110. Optionally, any number of mixing aids may be disposed in first mixing zone 122 to improve mixing of the base liquid and beverage concentrate. The mixing aid or aids are preferably passive mixing aids. More preferably, the base liquid and beverage concentrate are mixed into an essentially homogeneous primary liquid, particularly before reaching secondary liquid inlet 178.

[0070] Generally, the primary liquid may be a beverage suitable for consumption by itself. For example, the primary liquid may be an essentially non-alcoholic beverage, such as a non-alcoholic brewed beverage, particularly a non-alcoholic beer that is essentially free of one or more hop compounds. Non-alcoholic beverages may generally have an alcohol volume content of less than 1%, less than 0.5%, less than 0.1%, or even less than 0.05%, depending on, for example, the laws of a particular country or region.

[0071] The secondary liquid inlet 178 allows secondary liquid from the secondary liquid source 108 to be supplied to the distribution line 110, particularly at a location downstream of at least a portion of the first mixing region 122, preferably downstream of the entire first mixing region 122.

[0072] Downstream of the secondary liquid inlet 178, the distribution line 110 is provided with a second mixing zone 124 where the primary liquid mixes with the secondary liquid. The second mixing zone 124 is disposed inside the distribution line 110. In this manner, in-line mixing of the primary and secondary liquids can preferably be achieved without the need for a mixing chamber. Any number of mixing aids, preferably passive mixing aids, can be present in the second mixing zone 124 to improve mixing of the primary and secondary liquids.

[0073] At the dispensing outlet 120 of the dispensing line 110 downstream of the second mixing region 124 , the preferably essentially homogenous post-mix beverage 112 is dispensed out the dispensing outlet 120 of the dispensing line 110 .

[0074] The dispensing line 110 may define a T-junction, a Y-junction, or a generally bifurcated junction to allow two fluid streams to mix at the base liquid inlet 174, the beverage concentrate inlet 176, and / or the secondary liquid inlet 178. A bifurcated junction allows for in-line mixing of two fluid streams into one fluid stream. Generally, the fluid streams may flow in generally the same or similar directions before mixing. More specifically, the fluid streams may flow substantially parallel or substantially coaxially before mixing. Alternatively, the fluid streams may generally flow obliquely relative to one another but converge toward the same point or region. The fluid streams may include, for example, one or more base liquids, one or more beverage concentrates, one or more primary liquids, and / or one or more secondary liquids.

[0075] Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a beverage dispensing assembly 100, shown schematically in a partially exploded view. Although not forming part of the assembly and shown merely as an example, Figure 2 shows a glass 200 to be filled with a post-mix beverage prepared and dispensed using the beverage dispenser assembly 100. The assembly 100 includes a beverage dispenser 102, which generally includes a housing 101, which is shown only diagrammatically in the figure.

[0076] The beverage dispenser 102 includes dispensing lines 110 capable of delivering a base liquid, a beverage concentrate, and a secondary liquid in a particular sequence as disclosed herein.

[0077] To provide the base liquid, the beverage dispensing assembly 100 includes a base liquid container 104 having a base liquid connector 134 arranged to be operably connected to a base liquid interface 144 of the beverage dispenser 102 .

[0078] 2 , the beverage dispensing assembly 100 further includes a beverage concentrate container 106 as an example of a beverage concentrate source. The container 106 may 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 may optionally include a connector 136 that operably connects the container 106 to a beverage concentrate interface 146 provided by the beverage dispenser 102.

[0079] The connector 136 and interface 146 allow for interchangeable connection of the beverage concentrate container 106 to the beverage dispenser 102. For example, after the beverage concentrate container 106 is at least partially emptied, the container 106 can be removed and replaced with an additional beverage concentrate container, e.g., containing the same type of beverage concentrate or possibly a different type of beverage concentrate, to form additional post-mix beverages.

[0080] 2, the beverage dispensing assembly 100 further includes a secondary liquid container 108 as a secondary liquid supply. The container 108 may 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 may be operatively connected to a secondary liquid interface 148 of the beverage dispenser 102.

[0081] Generally, when a container is operatively connected to an interface of the beverage dispenser 102, the interior volume of the container may be placed in fluid communication with the beverage dispenser 102, and in particular, the dispense line 110 thereof.

[0082] The connector 138 and interface 148 allow for interchangeable connection of the secondary liquid container 108 to the beverage dispenser 102. For example, after the secondary liquid container 108 is at least partially emptied, the container 108 can be removed and replaced with a further secondary liquid container containing, for example, the same type of secondary liquid, or possibly a different type of secondary liquid, to form a further post-mix beverage.

[0083] The connectors 134, 136, and 138 and the interfaces 144, 146, and 148 are shown in FIG. 2 as having similar shapes. Thus, these interfaces may be used interchangeably to connect, for example, a base liquid container, a beverage concentrate container, or a secondary liquid container. It will be understood that in any embodiment of the beverage dispensing assembly, the base liquid interface 144 and / or the beverage concentrate interface 146 may not be compatible with the connector 138 of the secondary liquid container, and / or the secondary liquid interface 148 may not be compatible with the beverage concentrate interface 136 and / or the base liquid interface 144. This may prevent a user from accidentally changing the order in which the base liquid, beverage concentrate, and secondary liquid are mixed within the beverage dispenser 102.

[0084] In general, the connection between interfaces, such as the beverage concentrate interface 146 or the secondary liquid interface 148, can be a threaded connection, a bayonet connection, a twist or turn connection, a clamp connection, other types of connections, or any embodiment thereof.

[0085] Figure 3 shows a schematic, partially exploded view of a second embodiment of the beverage dispensing assembly 100. Although not forming part of the assembly and shown merely as an example, Figure 3 shows a glass 200 that can be filled with a post-mix beverage.

[0086] 3, as an option applicable to any embodiment of the beverage dispensing assembly 100, the base liquid source is a spout 104, which is an example of a source of tap water. A fluid conduit 114, such as a flexible tube, may be provided by the assembly 100 between the tap 104 and the beverage dispenser 102 to provide tap water to the dispensing line 110.

[0087] 3, an embodiment of the 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, such as a flexible tube, or a spout, particularly a rigid spout. Similarly, as a further option, an embodiment of the 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, such as a flexible tube, or a spout, particularly a rigid spout.

[0088] The beverage concentrate conduit 156 is connectable to a beverage concentrate inlet 176 of the dispensing line 110. This connection may be direct or indirect via one or more interconnecting couplers. The secondary liquid conduit 158 ​​is connectable to a secondary liquid inlet 178 of the dispensing line. This connection may be direct or indirect via one or more interconnecting couplers.

[0089] It will be understood that any option disclosed in connection with the first embodiment of the beverage dispensing assembly may be readily applied to the second embodiment of the beverage dispensing assembly, and vice versa. Additionally, other options disclosed herein that are not directly related to the first or second embodiment of the beverage dispensing assembly are readily applied to said first and second embodiments, for example, related to the type of post-mix beverage, the type of beverage concentrate, the type of secondary liquid, the mixing order of different liquids, the type of container used to supply any liquid to the beverage dispenser, and any combination thereof.

[0090] The present disclosure can be summarized, without limitation, by numbered embodiments. 1. A method of preparing and dispensing a post-mix beverage using a beverage dispensing assembly, comprising: - mixing a base liquid and a beverage concentrate in a beverage dispenser of the beverage dispensing assembly to form a primary liquid; - combining the primary liquid with a secondary liquid comprising ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds to form a post-mix beverage in a beverage dispenser; - dispensing the post-mix beverage from a dispensing outlet of the beverage dispenser; The method of preparing a post-mix beverage, wherein a beverage concentrate is mixed with a base liquid and at least partially with a primary liquid, and then a predetermined volume of a secondary liquid is mixed with the beverage concentrate. 2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the secondary liquid comprises both ethanol and hop compounds. 3. The method of any of the previous embodiments, wherein the beverage concentrate is essentially ethanol-free. 4. The method of any of the previous embodiments, wherein the beverage concentrate is essentially free of hop compounds. 5. The method of any of the previous embodiments, wherein the base liquid and the beverage concentrate are provided from separate sources. 6. The method of any of the previous embodiments, wherein the beverage concentrate and the secondary liquid are provided from separate sources. 7. The method of any of the previous embodiments, wherein the base liquid is or comprises carbonated water. 8. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the beverage concentrate is based on a fermented beverage, in particular beer. 9. The method of any of the previous embodiments, wherein the beverage concentrate is provided from a beverage concentrate container, such as a capsule, and wherein multiple separate, predetermined volumes of post-mix beverages are dispensed using beverage concentrate from the same beverage concentrate container. 10. The method of any of the previous embodiments, wherein the base liquid and beverage concentrate are mixed together in a dispensing line of the beverage dispensing assembly. 11. The method of any of the previous embodiments, wherein the primary liquid and secondary liquid are mixed together in a dispensing line of the beverage dispensing assembly. 12. The method of embodiment 10 or 11, further comprising flushing at least a portion of the dispensing line with a base liquid. 13. The method of any of embodiments 10-12, further comprising purging at least a portion of the delivery line with a gas, in particular carbon dioxide. 14. The method of any of embodiments 10-13, further comprising flushing at least a portion of the distribution line with a secondary liquid, particularly wherein the secondary liquid comprises ethanol. 15. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the volume ratio of base liquid to beverage concentrate in the primary liquid is 4 or more, in particular 6 or more, or even 8 or more. 16. The method of any of the previous embodiments, wherein the primary liquid comprises protein, in particular a beverage concentrate comprises protein. 17. A beverage dispensing assembly for preparing and dispensing a post-mix beverage, the beverage dispensing assembly including a beverage dispenser, the beverage dispenser including: - a distribution line having a discharge outlet at the downstream end of the distribution line; - Base liquid inlet; - Beverage concentrate inlet; - Secondary liquid inlet; wherein the base liquid inlet is in fluid communication with the dispensing line, the beverage concentrate inlet is in fluid communication with the dispensing line, and the secondary liquid inlet is in fluid communication with the dispensing line; wherein the secondary liquid inlet is connected to the dispensing line downstream relative to the base liquid inlet and the beverage concentrate inlet, and the secondary liquid inlet is connected to the dispensing line upstream relative to the dispensing outlet. 18. The beverage dispensing assembly of embodiment 17, further comprising a beverage concentrate container, such as a beverage concentrate cartridge, containing a predetermined amount of beverage concentrate, the beverage concentrate container being replaceably connected to the beverage concentrate inlet. 19. The beverage dispensing assembly of embodiment 18, wherein the beverage dispensing assembly further comprises a beverage concentrate conduit fluidly connecting the beverage concentrate container and the beverage concentrate inlet, the beverage concentrate conduit being releasably connected to the beverage concentrate container and / or the dispensing line. 20. A beverage dispensing assembly according to any of embodiments 17-19, further comprising a secondary liquid container, such as a cartridge, containing a predetermined 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 inlet. 21. The beverage dispensing assembly of embodiment 20, wherein the beverage dispensing assembly further comprises a secondary liquid conduit fluidly connecting the secondary liquid container and the secondary liquid inlet, the secondary liquid conduit being releasably connected to the secondary liquid container and / or the dispensing line. 22. The beverage dispensing assembly of any of embodiments 17-21, wherein the beverage dispenser does not have a mixing chamber for mixing the base liquid and the beverage concentrate and / or for mixing the base liquid, the beverage concentrate, and the secondary liquid. 23. The maximum fluid flow area through the dispensing line between the base liquid inlet and the dispensing outlet and / or the maximum fluid flow area between the beverage concentrate inlet and the dispensing outlet is 70 mm 2 23. The beverage dispensing assembly of any of embodiments 17-22, wherein

[0091] (Addendum) (Appendix 1) 1. A method for preparing and dispensing a post-mix beverage using a beverage dispensing assembly, the method comprising: mixing a base liquid with a beverage concentrate to form a primary liquid within a beverage dispenser of said beverage dispensing assembly; mixing the primary liquid with a predetermined volume of a secondary liquid comprising ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds to form the post-mix beverage in the beverage dispenser; dispensing the post-mix beverage from a dispensing outlet of the beverage dispenser; Including, In preparing the post-mix beverage, the beverage concentrate is at least partially mixed with the base liquid to form the primary liquid, and then the predetermined volume of secondary liquid is mixed with the beverage concentrate. method.

[0092] (Appendix 2) 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the secondary liquid comprises both the ethanol and the hop compounds.

[0093] (Appendix 3) 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the beverage concentrate is essentially free of ethanol.

[0094] (Appendix 4) 4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the beverage concentrate is essentially free of said hop compounds.

[0095] (Appendix 5) 5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the beverage concentrate is provided from a beverage concentrate container, such as a capsule, and wherein multiple separate, predetermined volumes of the post-mix beverage are dispensed using beverage concentrate from the same beverage concentrate container.

[0096] (Appendix 6) 6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the base liquid and the beverage concentrate are mixed in a dispensing line of the beverage dispensing assembly.

[0097] (Appendix 7) 7. The method of any one of clauses 1-6, wherein the primary liquid and the secondary liquid are mixed in a dispensing line of the beverage dispensing assembly.

[0098] (Appendix 8) 8. The method of claim 6 or 7, further comprising flushing at least a portion of the distribution line with the base liquid.

[0099] (Appendix 9) 9. The method of any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising purging at least a portion of the distribution line with a gas, in particular carbon dioxide.

[0100] (Appendix 10) 10. The method of any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising flushing at least a portion of the distribution line with the secondary liquid, in particular wherein the secondary liquid comprises ethanol.

[0101] (Appendix 11) 11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, 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 greater than 8.

[0102] (Appendix 12) 12. The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the primary liquid comprises a protein, in particular the beverage concentrate comprises a protein.

[0103] (Appendix 13) 1. A beverage dispensing assembly for preparing and dispensing a post-mix beverage, the dispensing assembly comprising: a beverage dispenser; a distribution line having a distribution outlet at a downstream end of the distribution line; a base liquid inlet; a beverage concentrate inlet; a secondary liquid inlet; Equipped with the base liquid inlet is in fluid communication with the dispensing line, the beverage concentrate inlet is in fluid communication with the dispensing line, and the secondary liquid inlet is in fluid communication with the dispensing line; the secondary liquid inlet is connected to the dispensing line downstream relative to the base liquid inlet and the beverage concentrate inlet, and the secondary liquid inlet is connected to the dispensing line upstream relative to the dispensing outlet; Beverage dispensing assembly.

[0104] (Appendix 14) 14. The beverage dispensing assembly of claim 13, wherein the beverage dispenser does not have a mixing chamber for mixing the base liquid and the beverage concentrate and / or for mixing the base liquid, the beverage concentrate and the secondary liquid.

[0105] (Appendix 15) the maximum flow area for fluid through the dispensing line between the base liquid inlet and the dispensing outlet, and / or between the beverage concentrate inlet and the dispensing outlet, is 70 mm 2 15. The beverage dispensing assembly of claim 13 or 14,

Claims

1. A method for preparing and distributing a post-mix beverage using a beverage distribution assembly, the method being: The base liquid is mixed with the beverage concentrate to form a primary liquid in the beverage dispenser of the beverage distribution assembly, The primary liquid is mixed with a predetermined volume of secondary liquid containing ethanol and / or one or more hop compounds to form the post-mix beverage in the beverage dispenser. Distributing the post-mix beverage from the distribution outlet of the beverage dispenser, Includes, When preparing the post-mix beverage, the beverage concentrate is at least partially mixed with the base liquid to form the primary liquid, and then a predetermined volume of the secondary liquid is mixed with the beverage concentrate. method.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the secondary liquid comprises both the ethanol and the hop compound.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the beverage concentrate does not essentially contain ethanol.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the beverage concentrate essentially does not contain the hop compound.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the beverage concentrate is supplied from a beverage concentrate container such as a capsule, and multiple separate post-mix beverages of predetermined volumes are dispensed using the beverage concentrate from the same beverage concentrate container.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the base liquid and the beverage concentrate are mixed in the distribution line of the beverage distribution assembly.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the primary liquid and the secondary liquid are mixed in the distribution line of the beverage distribution assembly.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising flushing at least a portion of the distribution line with the base liquid.

9. The method according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising purging at least a portion of the distribution line with a gas, particularly carbon dioxide.

10. The method according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising flushing at least a portion of the distribution line with the secondary liquid, wherein the secondary liquid particularly contains ethanol.

11. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the volume ratio of the base liquid to the beverage concentrate in the primary liquid is greater than 4, particularly greater than 6, and even greater than 8.

12. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the primary liquid contains protein, and in particular the beverage concentrate contains protein.

13. A beverage dispensing assembly for preparing and dispensing a post-mix beverage, wherein the dispensing assembly comprises a beverage dispenser, the beverage dispenser comprises, - A distribution line having a distribution outlet at the downstream end of the distribution line. - Base liquid inlet, - Beverage concentrate inlet, - Secondary liquid inlet, Equipped with, The base liquid inlet is in fluid communication with the distribution line, the beverage concentrate inlet is in fluid communication with the distribution line, and the secondary liquid inlet is in fluid communication with the distribution line. The secondary liquid inlet is connected to the distribution line downstream of the base liquid inlet and the beverage concentrate inlet, and the secondary liquid inlet is connected to the distribution line upstream of the distribution outlet. Beverage distribution assembly.

14. The beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 13, wherein the beverage dispenser lacks a mixing chamber for mixing the base liquid and the beverage concentrate, and / or for mixing the base liquid, the beverage concentrate, and the secondary liquid.

15. The maximum flow path area for the fluid passing through the distribution line between the base liquid inlet and the distribution outlet, and / or between the beverage concentrate inlet and the distribution outlet, is 70 mm². ２ The beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 13 or 14.

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