Presented by: Dr. Christopher Depcik, University of Kansas / Distinct DistillAge, LLC
Barrel maturation transforms a newly distilled spirit into a more complex and balanced spirit through a series of chemical and physical processes that occur over months or years. While many maturation practices are rooted in tradition and experience, understanding the science behind them can help distillers make more informed decisions.
This webinar explores the mechanisms that govern spirit maturation, including the extraction and transformation of wood compounds, oxidation, evaporation, adsorption, and the influence of environmental conditions within the warehouse. The effects of barrel seasoning, toast and char levels, barrel size, entry proof, warehouse location, and aging conditions will be discussed in the context of current scientific understanding. Attendees will also receive a brief introduction to physics-based modeling as a tool for understanding and predicting maturation behavior.
This presentation will translate the science of barrel maturation into practical takeaways that explain how barrel maturation practices influence aroma, flavor, color, and overall spirit quality. Whether new to the industry or looking to strengthen their understanding of barrel maturation, participants will leave with a deeper appreciation of the processes occurring inside every barrel.
About the Presenter
Dr. Christopher Depcik is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Kansas with a Courtesy Appointment in Aerospace Engineering and the founder of Distinct DistillAge, LLC. His research combines thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and chemical kinetics to develop physics-based models of complex chemical and physical processes. Over the past two decades, he has developed predictive models for industrial energy and chemical systems and is now applying those same scientific principles to understand and predict the maturation of barrel-aged spirits. His research integrates wood chemistry, mass transfer, reaction kinetics, and environmental effects to provide new insight into the science of barrel aging. Dr. Depcik has authored more than 130 peer-reviewed publications, received multiple awards for service, research, and teaching, and ranks among the World’s Top 2% of Scientists based on Elsevier Scopus. He is a Fellow of ASME and SAE.
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