The Glenlivet Rockets Into Making Whisky Out Of Seeds That Thrived In Space

A box of barley was given the opportunity of a lifetime to travel into infinity in 2021. Now, upon its return, it might just get turned into whisky.

The seeds, sent up into the cosmos by Chivas Brothers, made it all the way to the International Space Station, where they were experimented on to see if they could withstand extreme conditions such as zero gravity, celestial radiation, and intense temperature swings.

The project was conducted by Alpha Space Test and Research Alliance as well as the Canadian University of Guelph, and was led by Dr Mike Dixon.

The experiment was also part of the university’s ongoing research into outer space farming. The barley seeds helped scientists gain insight into how grains could prolong astronauts’ survival on long-term missions and the areas of deep space that the seeds could thrive in.

As they return back to their home planet, the seeds will be handed over to The Glenlivet Distillery, where they will be planted, malted, and turned into a literal cosmic single malt whisky.

To commemorate the occasion, Speyside, Scotland—where the distillery is located—has taken a rather punny approach to the event and changed its town sign to read, “Welcome to Space-Side”.

The distillery will monitor the production of the whisky to deem if it is safe to drink. However, according to Robb Report, Jayne Murphy, the marketing director for The Glenlivet, is hopeful that the results will be astronomical. 

[via Robb Report and The Spirit Business, images via various sources]