Ballantine’s Space Glass: Ultimate Zero Gravity Whisky Gizmo

Space, as in outer space, seems to be a big topic on the minds of some whisky brands these days. We’ve had whisky that’s returned from space, even as other whisky recently headed into space. Now word comes from Ballantine’s, a Scotch blended whisky brand owned by Pernod Ricard, of a new “Space Glass” and associated whisky which will let you enjoy this spirit in a zero gravity environment.

The Ballantine’s Space Glass is a rather unique combination drinking vessel and novel gadget which was created to “overcome the challenge of drinking whisky in a zero gravity environment.” As to what exactly it does, Ballantine’s said that

in order to get whisky from the bottle to the glass there is a loading mechanism which inserts a nozzle into the base of the glass. Held together by a strong magnetic connection the base of the glass releases a quick draw down allowing the slow release of the whisky into the base of the glass through a one-way valve.

There is a cold touch mouth clip, ergonomically shaped to give the user a quality drinking experience on the top of the glass. To capture the ritual of drinking whisky you rest your lips here, while hidden ‘scent slots’ let you smell the blend.

“The Ballantine’s Space Glass is built around the whisky drinking experience,” said Ballantine’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop in a statement. “The warming element from hand to glass is important to me because the whisky warms up while you are drinking it, unlocking aromas that ensure a multi-sensory experience.”

The glass has been crafted for this blender by the Open Space Agency, a collective of so-called “astropreneurs.” The associated whisky, meanwhile, is the work of Hyslop. He introduced “first fill sherry matured malt to a bespoke Ballantine’s blend with the intention of addressing the impact that microgravity has on taste-buds, resulting in a more concentrated whisky with enhanced spice and honey notes.”

“I had to make the blend more robust, heightened in flavour,” he said, “and more concentrated so one could emulate the experience of drinking Ballantine’s on earth.  Astronauts miss the taste of home and by crafting a fruitier, stronger, more floral blend I think Ballantine’s has designed a home comfort for space.”

There was no immediate mention of when the Space Glass or Space Whisky would be made available at retail, be it on Earth or in outer space.