WO2021178656A1

WO2021178656A1 - Systems and methods for producing spirits

Info

Publication number: WO2021178656A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/020856
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gabriel Channing UNRUH
Original assignee: Lafayette Bev Corp.
Priority date: 2020-03-06
Filing date: 2021-03-04
Publication date: 2021-09-10

Abstract

In some aspects, systems and methods are provided to artificially control seasonal changes in temperature and humidity to increase the frequency of the seasonal cyclical change, which increases the speed of the aging process. The action that is mimicked in greater frequency is the exposure of wood barrels to variable humidity changes which open and close the pores of the wood (due to the change in pressure). In some embodiments described herein, systems and methods are provided to more accurately control and maintain conditions (e.g., temperature and humidity) throughout the facility and/or systems for rotating barrels that minimize the need for conventional human intervention during the aging process such as moving barrels to different places in the warehouse over time.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING SPIRITS

BACKGROUND

There are many conventional methods for producing alcoholic distillates such as, for example, bourbon, whiskey, scotch and other products. Traditionally, such products are aged in wooden barrels, and it is appreciated that the quality, value, and taste of such products is increased responsive to the amount of aging within the barrels, as the wood barrels impart some of the flavor during the aging process.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, it is appreciated that temperature and humidity could be more accurately controlled in the alcoholic distillate production process such that the aging process for such distillates may be reduced to a shorter time period. In some embodiments, it is appreciated that temperature and humidity in conventional processes is seasonally dependent, and these seasonal changes establish an aging cycle. To speed up the aging cycle, in some embodiments, the seasonal changes in temperature and humidity are artificially controlled to increase the frequency of the seasonal cyclical change, which increases the speed of the aging process. The action that is mimicked in greater frequency is the exposure of wood barrels to variable humidity changes which open and close the pores of the wood (due to the change in pressure). During this opening and closing process, distillate within the barrels is pumped into the pores of the wood, flavoring the distillate into what we know as whiskey, bourbon, etc.

In some embodiments, it is appreciated that it would be beneficial to control more accurately the aging process of alcoholic distillates such that a more consistent product could be produced. For instance, it is appreciated that traditional aging processes in warehouses produce varied conditions from barrel to barrel, depending on the location within the facility. Traditionally, human intervention is required to rotate barrels, or move barrels to different locations within the warehouse over time. In some embodiments described herein, systems and methods are provided to more accurately control and maintain conditions (e.g., temperature and humidity) throughout the facility and/or systems for rotating barrels that minimize the need for conventional human intervention during the aging process such as moving barrels to different places in the warehouse over time. In some embodiments, a warehouse structure that is used to store and age barrels containing alcoholic distillates is provided that permits accurate control of temperature and humidity (and therefore pressure) to increase the cycle of the aging process for alcoholic distillates. In some embodiments, traditional warehouse structures may be modified to permit such control. In some implementations, temperature and humidity control is regulated through software whose inputs can be edited over time and/or set to specific routines. In another implementation, mechanical racks may be provided that move and rotate barrels automatically and gradually over time, reducing the amount of human intervention that may be required. Also, by rotating the barrels gradually, the system allows the aging process to use barrel wood/char equally and encourage distillate to interact with all sections of the wood in a uniform fashion, which is important as the distillate evaporates. In some implementations, a metal rack arrangement having a wheel and pulley system may be provided to rotate barrels in a uniform fashion.

In some embodiments, it is appreciated that a system that non-intrusively ages alcoholic distillates within a conventional wooden barrel may be preferable. In some systems, the conventional processes for aging distillates is modified, such as creating new barrel types or modifying the barrels themselves. Therefore, in some embodiments, a non-intrusive method is provided which does not tamper directly with the barrel or distillate and does not require equipment to come in direct contact with distillate. For instance, in some embodiments, traditional barrels containing the distillate are house within the warehouse structure, and are acted on externally (e.g., by adjusting temperature, humidity and/or rotation) to affect the aging process. In this manner, the integrity of the barrel is maintained, which would be preferable for some makers (e.g., bourbon distillers who may require that bourbon be produced in traditional barrels). Further, the process may be performed easily on multiple barrels, and the equipment used to affect the control may be housed in a larger controlled facility.

In some embodiments, a warehousing service may be provided to producers of barrel- based alcoholic distillates, such as whiskey or bourbon. To this end, producers may store their barrels in a controlled facility that is accessible remotely through software. In some embodiments, functions relating to the aging process may be controlled entirely remotely from software that can be deployed in a web-based format or via cloud services. Further, aspects of the aging process may be logged and viewed remotely by such producers. In some aspects, interfaces (e.g., programmatic, user interfaces, etc.) are provided that allow external entities such as producers to monitor and control their production of alcohol distillates that are stored in the warehouse facility. In some implementations, the system may be controlled entirely remotely from software that can be deployed in a web-based format or via cloud services.

In further embodiments, machine learning systems and methods may be provided that are capable of improving the production process. In particular, the machine learning system may be trained on parameters such as temperature and humidity and may be used to optimize an artificial cyclical control of the temperature and humidity in a warehouse facility. In some embodiments, a machine learning engine may be provided that is adapted to determine the schedule of the frequency of change of the set of environmental parameters. For instance, the machine learning engine may be trained on a set of environmental parameters for various batches along with the quality and outcome of the batches. The machine learning engine may be used to predict certain outcomes and may be used to determine an optimal set of parameters. Further, such systems may be used to optimize barrel rotation and/or movement to reduce variability among barrels aged within a same warehouse structure.

In one aspect, a method is provided for producing an aged alcohol comprising acts of artificially controlling a set of external environmental parameters, the set of external environmental parameters determining an external environment of a wooden barrel containing an alcoholic distillate, wherein the act of controlling further comprises increasing a frequency of change of the set of environmental parameters according to a schedule, the frequency of change reflecting an increased frequency as compared to a naturally-occurring set of environmental parameters. In some embodiments, the act of artificially controlling the set of external environmental parameters further comprises an act of controlling an external temperature in an area surrounding the wooden barrel.

In some embodiments, the act of artificially controlling the set of external environmental parameters further comprises an act of controlling an external humidity in an area surrounding the wooden barrel. In some embodiments, the act of artificially controlling the set of external environmental parameters further comprises an act of controlling an external temperature and an external humidity in an area surrounding the wooden barrel.

In some embodiments, the act of increasing the frequency of change of the set of environmental parameters according to a schedule includes increasing, by a factor of at least two, the frequency of cycles associated with the change of the set of environmental parameters. In some embodiments, the method further comprises an act of determining an increased cycle of frequency of the external temperature and humidity that increases the cycle over a natural aging process of the alcoholic distillate. In some embodiments, the act of increasing a frequency of change of the set of environmental parameters according to a schedule further comprises an act of operating environmental change components according to a program cycle that induces a pressure change within the wooden barrel.

In some embodiments, the wooden barrel is a closed system, and wherein the integrity of the closed system is maintained through the act of controlling. In some embodiments, the act of artificially controlling the set of external environmental parameters further comprises an act of controlling an external temperature in a warehouse area surrounding a plurality of wooden barrels each containing an alcoholic distillate from a single batch.

In some aspects, a system is provided for producing an aged alcohol comprising a controller adapted to artificially control a set of external environmental parameters, the set of external environmental parameters determining an external environment of a wooden barrel containing an alcoholic distillate, wherein the controller further comprises a schedule of a frequency of change of the set of environmental parameters, the frequency of change reflecting an increased frequency as compared to a naturally-occurring set of environmental parameters, and wherein the controller is adapted to execute the schedule. In some embodiments, the controller is adapted to control an external temperature in an area surrounding the wooden barrel.

In some embodiments, the controller is adapted to control an external humidity in an area surrounding the wooden barrel. In some embodiments, the controller is adapted to control an external temperature and an external humidity in an area surrounding the wooden barrel. In some embodiments, the schedule includes increasing, by a factor of at least two, the frequency of cycles associated with the change of the set of environmental parameters.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises means for determining an increased cycle of frequency of the external temperature and humidity that increases the cycle over a natural aging process of the alcoholic distillate. In some embodiments, the controller is adapted to operate environmental change components according to a program cycle that induces a pressure change within the wooden barrel. In some embodiments, the wooden barrel is a closed system, and wherein the integrity of the closed system is maintained by the controller. In some embodiments, the controller is adapted to control an external temperature in a warehouse area surrounding a plurality of wooden barrels each containing an alcoholic distillate from a single batch.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Various non-limiting embodiments of the technology will be described with reference to the following figures. It should be appreciated that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the figures:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a computer-based system for producing alcoholic distillates such as, for example, bourbon, whiskey, scotch and other products.

FIGs. 2A-2B shows several methods for controlling environmental parameters in an environment exterior to one or more wooden barrels in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

FIG. 3 shows an example warehouse enclosure in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

FIG. 4 shows an example control system in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

FIG. 5 shows an example barrel rotation system in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

FIG. 6 shows an example user interface in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

FIG. 7 shows another example user interface in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventors have recognized that some conventional techniques used for producing aged alcoholic beverages using wooden barrels may be improved. For instance, existing techniques for producing beverages such as, for example, bourbon, whiskey, scotch and other products that require aging in barrels require long periods of time before these beverages mature. In some aspects, it is appreciated that environmental conditions outside of the barrels may be adjusted to improve the aging process. It is appreciated, for example, the environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature affect the aging cycle. Such conditions are generally natural conditions, as conventionally, it is appreciated that the aging process involves cyclical climatic changes in the surrounding environment. If such conditions could be cycled more frequently, the aging process can be more accurately controlled and even accelerated.

Historically, one or more barrels that are charred and include alcoholic distillates are stored away for long periods of time during the maturation process. During this process, the charred barrels impart flavor and color to the alcoholic distillate (e.g., bourbon, whiskey, etc.). Such barrels were typically stored within a warehouse on racks, which could be multiple levels and stories within the warehouse.

In conventional warehouses, there are varied climates throughout. For instance, below the roof of the warehouse, there are very high temperatures in the summer (e.g., in Kentucky), while at the bottom of the warehouse, it stays as cool as if the room was air-conditioned. For temperature equalization with the outside air, a typical warehouse has many windows. The bourbon or whiskey matures differently on each floor. In the past the barrels were therefore rotated. Rotating means the barrels are moved to different pre-determined positions within the warehouse during maturation, so each barrel can profit from the good positions in the middle of the warehouse. However, a certain part of the warehouse (usually 1/3 of the total capacity) must stay empty for rotation, making the process labor intensive, and an inefficient use of space.

In some embodiments as described herein, an improved process takes into account temperature and humidity and the affects it has on other forces and processes (such as change in pressure within the barrel). Also, in some embodiments, such improved aging processes may be performed such that the integrity of the barrel and distillate are maintained, and there are no external elements or equipment that need to come in direct contact with the distillate. In some embodiments, such processes may be used for aging multiple barrels, and the equipment used to control the aging process may be housed in a larger controlled facility. Further, it is appreciated that by adjusting the process of only to artificially speed aging, but reduce the difference in flavor, taste, quality from barrel to barrel. Further, other aspects related to the warehouses themselves, and improvements therein. In some embodiments, the warehouse is designed such that temperature and humidity can be accurately controlled in a consistent manner. In such cases, cold and hot spots within the warehouse may be avoided, which may lead to differences in aging, flavor, taste, between barrels. Such improvements may reduce the requirement to move barrels and/or mix distillates among barrels within a single batch.

In some aspects, a warehouse solution may be provided wherein such special-purpose warehouses may be constructed and provided as a resource to manufacturers, wherein the warehouses may provide remote control and monitoring functions (e.g., as provided remotely through software that can be deployed in a web-based format and/or cloud services). For instance, environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity control of an entire structure/facility/warehouse that stores barrels containing alcoholic distillates can be controlled and monitored through external systems. Further, certain manual operations, such as rotating barrels, may be performed, monitored and recorded using such external systems. In other aspects, mechanical arrangements such as racks with wheels and pulley systems may be provided that rotate barrels of a batch in a consistent and uniform manner.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary computer-based system for producing alcoholic distillates such as, for example, bourbon, whiskey, scotch and other products. Such a system may be used to control equipment that adjusts heat and/or humidity within an enclosure. For instance, as shown in FIG. 1, one or more barrels 101 each containing an alcohol distillate 100 may be positioned within an enclosure 102. In some embodiments, enclosure 102 may be an enclosure that can simulate a number of different environmental conditions that are separate from ambient conditions external to the warehouse.

The system may include, for example, heat/humidity equipment 103 that are capable of increasing or decreasing the temperature and/or humidity within the enclosure 102. Element 103 may include one or more systems, devices, air handlers, ducts/ductwork, or other components. Element 103 is controllably coupled to the controller device 104 which may be adapted to provide one or more control signals to element 103. Further, control 104 may include one or more programs or algorithms 105 that are used to periodically adjust environmental conditions within enclosure 102. Such elements may be positioned within a warehouse or other location or site. Capabilities may be provided to systems and entities external to the warehouse or site for managing the production process. To this end, there may be one or more remote management systems (e.g., system 106) that is functionally coupled to the controller at the warehouse or site location. Remote management system 106 may be capable of storing and/or providing programs or algorithms 107 to the controller 104 managing the production process. In turn, remote management system 106 may be accessible to one or more systems operated by one or more users 112. Such systems may include one or more interfaces 113 through which users control the environmental conditions within enclosure 102.

In some implementations, remote management is facilitated using a cloud service 108 which may include one or more functional components that can be accessed by one or more user devices or systems. For instance, cloud service 108 may include a controller component 109 which remotely controls and/or receives status information from controller 104 within the warehouse environment. Further, cloud service 108 may include the reporting component 110 which is capable of receiving data from one or more warehouse locations and providing such reports to one or more users (e.g., users 112). In addition, cloud service 108 may include one or more interfaces

111 that can be downloaded and displayed on a remote computer system used by users 112. Users

112 may access the system using one or more computer-based systems including, but not limited to, a personal computer, tablet, watch, mobile phone, special-purpose computer system and/or other processor-based device.

As discussed above, aspects described herein relate to artificially controlling an environment in which wooden barrels containing alcoholic distillate reside in a manner which speeds up the aging in the distillate. In some embodiments, the purpose of the temperature and humidity control is two-fold:

Mimic or alter seasonal changes in temperature, humidity, pressure in greater succession to speed up aging of distillate. The action that is mimicked in greater succession is the exposure of wood barrels to variable humidity changes which open and close the pores of the wood (due to the change pressure). During this opening and closing process, distillate within the barrels in pumped into the pores of the wood, flavoring the distillate into what we know as whiskey, bourbon, etc.

Decrease the variety or delta of flavor, taste, quality among barrels aged in the same aforementioned structure, warehouse, or facility. In conventional aging, warehouses are exposed to varied temperatures and humidity (e.g., from comer to corner, floor to floor, etc.)· This variation results in varied flavor profiles from barrel to barrel. Controlling the facility to be one temperature and humidity throughout reduces the difference in flavor and minimize the need for conventional human intervention during the aging process such as moving barrels to different places in the warehouse over time.

FIGs. 2A-2B shows several methods for controlling environmental parameters in an environment exterior to one or more wooden barrels in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. As discussed above, certain embodiments relate to adjusting environmental parameters in such a way that an aging cycle may be shortened. In certain embodiments, it is appreciated that temperature and/or humidity may be used to increase the frequency of the cycle of environmental conditions as compared to natural environmental cycles. FIGs. 2A-2B show, respectively, temperature and humidity variations associated with natural conditions and several methods for adjusting environmental parameters. As can be seen in FIGs. 2A-2B, a natural aging process occurs over a 12 month period and repeats yearly (generally).

In some embodiments, the barrels may be subjected to an external temperature and humidity cycle that compresses the period and increases the frequency of variations. As shown in FIGs. 2A-2B, the frequency could be increased by a factor of two or more, causing two or more complete cycles to be repeated within a calendar year. In a first method, both temperature and humidity may be adjusted. In a second method, temperature may be maintained as a constant throughout the year, and humidity may be adjusted in a cyclical manner to achieve two or more complete cycles to be repeated. As discussed further below, the humidity and/or temperature variations may induce pressure changes within the barrel(s) that in turn affect the rate of aging.

Example Temperature and Humidity Control

Measures and Data

Temperature is measured in these examples in °C. Humidity is in these examples is measured in % Relative Humidity (%RH), and data shown is a factor of corresponding temperature in the temperature data set, defined as:

%RH = 100 x p/p_s where p = partial pressure of water vapor p_s = saturation pressure of water at ambient temperature p_s increases with temperature, while p is an independent value reflective of the amount of water vapor present the air, relative to the amount of air. p = p_s is equivalent to 100%RH or dew point at a given temperature.

This is a table of both p / p_s AND actual water vapor (g) / air (kg) at given temperatures for the %RH of 100% and 50%, respectively:

According to Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures,

P_t = p + pa where

P_t = total atmospheric pressure in a closed system p = partial pressure of water vapor pa = partial pressure of dry air

Increases or decreases in partial pressure of water vapor results in proportional changes to total atmospheric pressure.

Pressure is measured in millibars (mbar), lmbar = 100 pascals.

Based on the above measures consider the following example:

P_t= 1012 mbars p = 8 mbars p = 8 mbars %RH = 50%

If p is increased 1.5x to 12mbars:

P_t = 1518 mbars p_d = 16 mbars %RH = 75%

Example Methods

In some embodiments, the facility is a closed system environment, where the Dalton’s Law applies. In some embodiments, methods are provided that use temperature and/or humidity changes to drive pressure changes in the closed system, in greater succession than a natural environment. Method 1 - Emulates more traditional seasonal changes in greater succession by mimicking temperature and humidity changes in a timeline that is 2x faster than natural temperature and humidity changes. Method 2 - Seeks to control temperature, while changing humidity in greater succession, in an attempt to minimize evaporation and increase changes in pressure. Method 2’s humidity changes are 2x faster than natural environments, but due to the controlled temperature result in slightly greater proportional changes to %RH. In some embodiments:

Temperature is allowed to vary from the presented numbers within +-5°C.

%RH is allowed to vary from the presented numbers within +-5%.

The above data in Tables I- II is shown by way of example in FIGs. 2A-2B. It should be appreciated that other ranges and frequencies may be used.

Warehouse Enclosure

Also, as discussed above, a novel warehouse enclosure may be provided that permits such changes in humidity and/or temperature to be more accurately controlled. FIG. 3 shows an example warehouse enclosure in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. As shown in FIG. 3, a structure 300 is provided which may be a rectangular structure primarily made of glass or polycarbonate plastic. Alternatively, the warehouse structure may be made of any material that provides insulation to the warehouse interior spaces that houses the barrel(s). For instance, the structure can be made of material with an R-value in excess of 8 per inch.

Regarding R-value, it can be determined as follows:

Rval = DT/cpq

DT = the temperature difference between the warmer surface and colder surface of a barrier cpq = the heat flux through the barrier

The higher the Rval, the less conductive it is to temperature differences (or less heat flux)

Example Enclosures In one example implementation, glass or polycarbonate plastic may be used in the construction of structure 300 with the following specifications: Glass:

• Insulated glass units (IGUs) (e.g., element 304) o Two layers of glass (e.g., 305) o Layer of air (element 306) between glass layers contains, for example, Argon gas

• Low-E or emissivity glass coating on an outside layer of glass that reflects thermal energy while letting light pass through

Polycarbonate Plastic:

• Multiwall polycarbonate sheeting (e.g., as in an arrangement shown in structure 304) o Two layers (e.g., elements 305) o Between 10mm and 32mm thick

In some embodiments, the structure 300 also features large doors (e.g., 308) for loading and unloading as well as a smaller single-entry door (307). Both door types are sealed to avoid exposure to outside environmental conditions.

In some embodiments, a roof of structure 300 has ventilation (e.g., element 301) which can introduce outside air into the structure as needed and/or venting heat. A section of a wall can be made of other materials such as concrete to support other equipment needed in the design (including air conditioning, heating, etc.). In some embodiments, the structure may include solar panels for generating electricity which may be used to power climate control equipment.

Although glass or polycarbonate plastic may be used in the construction of the warehouse structure, it should be appreciated that other materials may be used that provide sufficient insulation that allows one or more control systems to adequately control the temperature and humidity.

Example Control Systems

FIG. 4 shows an example control system 400 in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. Such a control system 400 may be used in association with equipment used to control heat and humidity within a structure 300 as discussed above with respect to FIG. 3. In some embodiments, structure 300 may include one or more of the following (in any combination): • Duct air conditioning and heating system

• Humidifier and dehumidifier

• Barrel rotation system

• Sensors for temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure (in the closed system)

Duct air conditioning and heating system runs ducts along the ceiling of structure 300, as well as the floors. AC, heating, and humidity hardware is connected to a standard control mechanism, including control mechanisms that allow changes to current “set” temperature and humidity via control pad or other means (e.g., a wired connection 405 and/or API 402). Such monitoring systems 401 may be located within the warehouse or external to it, and may communicate to one or more subsystems that perform one or more of the monitoring and/or control functions. Wireless capabilities may be provided (e.g., to assist in limiting external access) via one or more receivers/transmitters that are coupled to one or more system components (e.g., either the equipment directly or through a local control panel (e.g., element 404) to the heat/humidity equipment 406).

Barrel Movement Systems

As discussed above, one or more automated systems may be used to move barrels for the purpose of producing a more consistent product. Such movements may be include, but are not limited to, movement of barrels within the warehouse and/or rotation of the barrels. FIG. 5 shows an example barrel movement system in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

As discussed, a system may be provided within the warehouse that is integrated with the rack system that permits the barrels to be moved and/or rotated. Barrel rotation may be achieved, for example by a barrel rotation system that may include, for example, a simple pulley system controlled by a central motor (e.g., rotation motor 500). In particular, the pulley system may be used to turn wheels that are in contact with one or more barrels via a chain (e.g., chain 502) attached to an axel attaching two wheels (e.g., coupled wheels 505). In one example configuration, the wheels sit between each barrel on a metal (or equivalent) rack. In some embodiments, the wheels are geared to the chain at particular fixed distances, and the wheel edges support the weight of the barrel. As the chain moves, the wheels move in one direction, causing the supported barrel to rotate in an opposite direction.

In some embodiments, the rotation frequency is comparatively slow, as it is appreciated that areas of the barrels will become dry over time, and if rotated too quickly, some of the contents can leak. In some embodiments, the motor is programmed to fully turn one barrel 360° in one year, which works out to an equivalent of approximately 1° per day, set on an exact cycle. Of course, it should be appreciated that the amount of rotation could be set to other parameters, as necessary.

User and Programmatic Interfaces/Software

As discussed above, producers may be provided one or more user interfaces (and/or programmatic interfaces (e.g., APIs)) for monitoring and/or controlling the production process. For instance, one or more software components are provided that permit a user to control temperature and humidity in set routine cycles (e.g., via a communication network such as the Internet). In some implementations, the software allows a user to see current temperature and humidity levels in real-time via a web interface.

Further, the system may be configured to document and store historical data points which can be used as inputs for future algorithms (e.g., a machine learning engine) that can automatically make changes to temperature/humidity with no need for manual inputs from humans via software (presets). These data points may be derived from both internal metrics (collected directly from hardware/sensors), and external data from other facilities.

Example Data Collected

Table III below shows some example data points that may be collected for a particular barrel:

Table III Batch # (num) - Unique identifier for one batch of barrels (dataset)

Type (num) - What alcohol does the batch consist of, nums correspond to strings such as Bourbon, Scotch, Whiskey TTA (num) - TTA or Time to Age is how long the alcohol is aged for, in months Barrel Char (num) - Standard rating for how charred the barrel is prior to barreling Barrel New (bool) - Is the barrel new (never used for aging) T or used F 24-hour cycle (bool) - Was temperature and humidity allowed to drift during a 24-hour cycle? Mashbill - Makeup of distilled white dog (pre-aged alcohol) Entry proof (num) -What was the proof of the white dog (pre-aged alcohol)

Score (num) - Rating system for taste and quality independent of age

Table IV below shows additional information that may be collected for a particular barrel.

Table IV

Algorithm Input: Type (num), Score (num), and TTA (num)

Output: Temp °C and %RH at each month Addl: Estimated Evaporation at end of aging (%)

Each batch is a labeled example, each data point above (in both tables) are feature vectors.

Data Collection Data may be obtained, for example, via sensors and an API by one or more external systems. In non-controlled facilities where temperature, humidity, and pressure are not controlled directly - data may be derived from multiple sensor locations and be normalized using mean and standard deviation.

Overview of Example API

In some embodiments, API endpoints may be provided to set temperature, humidity, and receive real-time statistics. These APIs allow, for example, an external application to receive data and set hardware operations.

API Examples:

Overview of an Example Web Application

As discussed, in some embodiments, a web application is provided that connects to API endpoints to present real-time data in a web format, and allow users to set routines for hardware temperature and humidity. The API, according to some embodiments, also allows users to add barrel relationships to warehouses and track their completion time based on preset aging time (for example, “age for 2 years”). Alternatively, an application may be provided that executes on one or more devices (e.g., a tablet, a mobile phone), which is web-based or not.

User Interfaces

The system may include one or more user interfaces in which the user may monitor and control production externally. FIG. 6 shows an example user interface 600 in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. In particular, a user interface 600 may be provided that shows current environmental parameters (e.g., parameters 601) such as current temperature and current relative humidity within the enclosure. Further, the system may log and also display to the user historical information 602. Such information may include, for example, information collected over time within the enclosure. Optionally, the interface may show program information of particular settings to which the environmental control equipment (e.g., a controller that uses one or more processors to control temperature and/or humidity equipment) is to operate and any actual data associated with that control. Further, interface 600 may include any number of displays or alarms for any of the batches, barrels, or other information. Further, according to other embodiments, the user interface may include a portion which identifies particular barrels which may be completed and/or may show a certain percentage to completion. Any number of other monitored parameters may be displayed within the user interface to permit a user to remotely monitor production.

FIG. 7 shows another example user interface 700 in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. In particular, the system may provide any number of other types of interfaces such as ones that permit a user to define a temperature/humidity program from a remote location that can be performed on a particular batch. For instance, interface 700 may include a number of settable parameters associated with the batch (e.g., batch setting 701) which includes batch name, any preset information, any warehouse or equipment information and any other settings. For instance, in one configuration, the system may be programmed to follow daily temperature cycles to reduce the amount of energy necessary for maintaining particular environmental conditions within the enclosure. That is, for example, if there are variations of external temperatures and humidities, the system may follow such cycles to achieve any internal programmed data points. So for instance, if a temperature drop is required, this drop may be aligned with an external temperature cycle. Interface 700 may also include one or more controls that allow a user to run a particular program, such as a “Start Aging” control that begins a program run. It should be appreciated that any number and type of control interface may be provided, such as those that may adjust or optimize temperature/humidity settings, move or rotate barrels, or perform other remote operations within the enclosure.

The above-described embodiments can be implemented in any of numerous ways. For example, the embodiments may be implemented using hardware, software or a combination thereof. When implemented in software, the software code can be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single computer or distributed among multiple computers. It should be appreciated that any component or collection of components that perform the functions described above can be generically considered as one or more controllers that control the above-discussed functions. The one or more controllers can be implemented in numerous ways, such as with dedicated hardware or with one or more processors programmed using microcode or software to perform the functions recited above.

In some embodiments, a machine learning model, artificial intelligence model or other type of statistical model may be used to determine environmental parameters to be used to control the aging process. In one implementation, a model may be trained based on one or more environmental parameters relating to one or more actual batch productions, along with any other information related to the batch (e.g., type of liquor, mashbill, etc.). Certain outcomes (e.g., taste, quality, expert rating, color, or other information) may be also used to train the model and permit the model to predict outcomes based on certain schedules of the environmental parameters. The model may be part of a computer system used to directly control environmental parameters, or as a separate system that programs the environmental equipment. Other implementations and systems can be used to appropriately predict environmental parameters used to more accurately age alcoholic distillates.

In this respect, it should be appreciated that one implementation of the embodiments comprises at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a computer memory, a portable memory, a compact disk, etc.) encoded with a computer program (i.e., a plurality of instructions), which, when executed on a processor, performs the above-discussed functions of the embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be transportable such that the program stored thereon can be loaded onto any computer resource to implement the aspects discussed herein. In addition, it should be appreciated that the reference to a computer program which, when executed, performs the above-discussed functions, is not limited to an application program running on a host computer. Rather, the term computer program is used herein in a generic sense to reference any type of computer code (e.g., software or microcode) that can be employed to program a processor to implement the above-discussed aspects.

Various aspects may be used alone, in combination, or in a variety of arrangements not specifically discussed in the embodiments described in the foregoing and are therefore not limited in their application to the details and arrangement of components set forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. For example, aspects described in one embodiment may be combined in any manner with aspects described in other embodiments.

Also, embodiments may be implemented as one or more methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method(s) may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed. Such terms are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term).

The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," "having," “containing”, “involving”, and variations thereof, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and additional items.

Having described several embodiments of the invention in detail, various modifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended as limiting. The invention is limited only as defined by the following claims and the equivalents thereto.

Claims

What is claimed is: CLAIMS

1. A method for producing an aged alcohol comprising acts of: artificially controlling a set of external environmental parameters, the set of external environmental parameters determining an external environment of a wooden barrel containing an alcoholic distillate, wherein the act of controlling further comprises: increasing a frequency of change of the set of environmental parameters according to a schedule, the frequency of change reflecting an increased frequency as compared to a naturally-occurring set of environmental parameters.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the act of artificially controlling the set of external environmental parameters further comprises an act of controlling an external temperature in an area surrounding the wooden barrel.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the act of artificially controlling the set of external environmental parameters further comprises an act of controlling an external humidity in an area surrounding the wooden barrel.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the act of artificially controlling the set of external environmental parameters further comprises an act of controlling an external temperature and an external humidity in an area surrounding the wooden barrel.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the act of increasing the frequency of change of the set of environmental parameters according to a schedule includes increasing, by a factor of at least two, the frequency of cycles associated with the change of the set of environmental parameters.

6. The method according to claim 4, further comprising an act of determining an increased cycle of frequency of the external temperature and humidity that increases the cycle over a natural aging process of the alcoholic distillate.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the act of increasing a frequency of change of the set of environmental parameters according to a schedule further comprises an act of operating environmental change components according to a program cycle that induces a pressure change within the wooden barrel.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wooden barrel is a closed system, and wherein the integrity of the closed system is maintained through the act of controlling.

9. The method according to claim 2, wherein the act of artificially controlling the set of external environmental parameters further comprises an act of controlling an external temperature in a warehouse area surrounding a plurality of wooden barrels each containing an alcoholic distillate from a single batch.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising an act of determining, by a machine learning engine, the frequency of change of the set of environmental parameters.

11. A system for producing an aged alcohol comprising: a controller adapted to artificially control a set of external environmental parameters, the set of external environmental parameters determining an external environment of a wooden barrel containing an alcoholic distillate, wherein the controller further comprises a schedule of a frequency of change of the set of environmental parameters, the frequency of change reflecting an increased frequency as compared to a naturally-occurring set of environmental parameters, and wherein the controller is adapted to execute the schedule.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the controller is adapted to control an external temperature in an area surrounding the wooden barrel.

13. The system according to claim 11, wherein the controller is adapted to control an external humidity in an area surrounding the wooden barrel.

14. The system according to claim 11, wherein the controller is adapted to control an external temperature and an external humidity in an area surrounding the wooden barrel.

15. The system according to claim 11, wherein the schedule includes increasing, by a factor of at least two, the frequency of cycles associated with the change of the set of environmental parameters.

16. The system according to claim 14, further comprising means for determining an increased cycle of frequency of the external temperature and humidity that increases the cycle over a natural aging process of the alcoholic distillate.

17. The system according to claim 11, wherein the controller is adapted to operate environmental change components according to a program cycle that induces a pressure change within the wooden barrel.

18. The system according to claim 11, wherein the wooden barrel is a closed system, and wherein the integrity of the closed system is maintained by the controller.

19. The system according to claim 12, wherein the controller is adapted to control an external temperature in a warehouse area surrounding a plurality of wooden barrels each containing an alcoholic distillate from a single batch.

20. The system according to claim 11, further comprising a machine learning engine that is adapted to determine the schedule of the frequency of change of the set of environmental parameters.