Smoother Spirits: How Voodoo Scientific is Redefining Alcohol

Introduction

When we think of spirits, we often conjure images of bold flavors complemented by the familiar burn that accompanies a strong drink. This characteristic, while revered in some circles, can also deter many from enjoying spirits to their fullest. Enter Voodoo Scientific, a startup that is challenging this centuries-old notion by harnessing enzyme technology to create a smoother drinking experience.

The Quest for Smoothness

In the competitive world of spirits, "smooth" is often seen as an ambiguous term, both loved and loathed. While consumers crave a drink that goes down easily, professional reviewers tend to be skeptical. To understand why alcohol burns, Voodoo Scientific's founders, Joana Montenegro and Martin Enriquez, sought the science behind it. Their journey led them to discover that various fermentation by-products—not ethanol—cause that unpleasant sensation.

Unveiling the Science

Montenegro, a food scientist with extensive industry experience, and Enriquez, a telecom executive-turned-entrepreneur, dug deep into research during the Covid-19 lockdown. As they explored scientific literature, they identified that the pain response in alcoholic beverages is linked to a specific receptor, TRPA1. Their next challenge was determining how to mitigate its effects.

The Role of Enzymes

Recognizing the limitations of traditional masking techniques, such as adding sugars or other compounds, they landed on a promising solution: enzymes. More specifically, enzymes from the dehydrogenase family could convert the offending compounds into neutral, non-irritating substances during fermentation.

The Birth of Viriato

Voodoo Scientific named its innovative product Viriato, honoring a legendary warrior from Montenegro's native Portugal. Their patented method focuses on using enzymes to reduce or eliminate the oral pain response associated with alcohol consumption—a revolutionary concept in the distilling field. As Viriato enters testing phases in various distilleries, early indications suggest that it could redefine how spirits are crafted.

Potential Risks and Rewards

While the potential benefits of Viriato may excite mixologists and casual drinkers alike, experts voice concerns about the implications of smoother spirits. The absence of a burn could encourage unhealthy drinking behaviors, as consumers may not perceive the signals their body usually sends regarding alcohol consumption. Medical professionals caution against this, emphasizing the importance of maintaining some form of feedback to prevent overindulgence.

Responses from the Spirits Industry

However, distillers like Pete Barger, CEO of Southern Distilling Company, see it differently. He believes that techniques like Viriato open up new creative avenues in spirit development, paving the way for innovative flavors and profiles without resorting to traditional masking additives. “It's not a silver bullet, but it allows us to make better, more interesting spirits,” he says.

Tasting Experience

In a personal tasting of the Viriato-enhanced spirits, I was surprised that the focus wasn't just on eliminating the burn, but also on enhancing the overall flavor profile. Without the harshness, the smoother samples revealed more nuanced flavors that previously went unnoticed. While Viriato aims to clean up spirits by reducing unwanted compounds, it also brings forward the potential complexities of flavor.

Conclusion: A New Era for Spirits?

As we anticipate the widespread adoption of Viriato and similar innovations, the question lingers: will alcohol consumption change for the better? Voodoo Scientific's aspirations could lead to a new frontier in spirits - one characterized by cleaner production, enhanced flavors, and perhaps a rethinking of our relationship with alcohol. For those of us eager to explore, it might just be the revival our spirits have been waiting for.

“Our goal isn't just to eliminate the burn; it's to enhance the entire experience of drinking spirits.” - Joana Montenegro