Embodiments described herein generally relate to systems and methods for processing non-fermented liquids. In some embodiments, non-fermented liquids may be processed into fermentable liquids in relatively short time (e.g., less than or equal to 30 minutes). In certain embodiments, the non-fermented liquids may be processed in relatively small batches (e.g., having a volume of less than or equal to 2 liters). The systems and methods described herein may be useful for producing fermented (e.g., alcoholic) beverages by a consumer. Advantageously, the systems and methods may be for use by a consumer where, upon introduction of a non-fermented liquid into the system, a fermented beverage is produced (e.g., in relatively small batches and/or in relative short times) as compared to traditional fermentation systems and methods (e.g., requiring relatively long fermentation times and/or relatively large batches). In certain embodiments, the systems and methods produce fermented beverages in a substantially continuous manner (e.g., as compared to traditional fermentation systems which utilize batch and/or semi-batch processes). Such systems may be useful for, for example, on-demand brewing of alcoholic beverages.

A fermentation and aging apparatus and a method for controlling a fermentation and aging apparatus are provided. The fermentation and aging apparatus may include a tank in which a fluid, such as water may be accommodated, a fermentation container forming a space in which the fluid discharged from the tank may be accommodated, a pump disposed in a channel between the tank and the fermentation container to supply the fluid accommodated in the tank to the fermentation container, a flow rate control valve configured to control a flow rate of the fluid discharged from the tank, a heater configured to heat the fluid discharged from the tank, a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the fluid passing through the heater, and a controller configured to control a degree of opening of the flow rate control valve based on the measured temperature.

An aging apparatus and method for accelerating the maturation of bourbon whiskey distilled spirit having characteristics associated with a much longer maturation process is provided. The method of accelerating the maturation of distilled spirits includes providing a storage warehouse secured in a waterway that produces waves and the storage warehouse has an enclosed interior. The method includes storing a plurality of barrels in the enclosed interior of the storage warehouse with the barrels being filled with distilled spirits. The method also includes moving the storage warehouse and the barrels therein by the waves of the waterway so as to circulate the distilled spirits within the plurality of barrels to thereby accelerate the maturation of the distilled spirits. The aging apparatus includes a base structure and a storage warehouse atop and secured to the base structure. The storage warehouse is sized to accommodate barrels filled with distilled spirts.

An automated beer-brewing system and method includes plural brewing containers, supply containers, and post-beer brewing containers to bottle the brewed beer and to handle waste fluids and solids. Plural pipes couple the brewing containers to the group of post-beer-brewing containers and beer-brewing containers. Plural brew-cycle control valves are coupled to each of the pipes, to locate all of the control valves in a central region of the system.

An automated beer-brewing system and method includes plural brewing containers, supply containers, and post-beer brewing containers to bottle the brewed beer and to handle waste fluids and solids. Plural pipes couple the brewing containers to the group of post-beer-brewing containers and beer-brewing containers. Plural brew-cycle control valves are coupled to each of the pipes, to locate all of the control valves in a central region of the system.

One embodiment of the present invention is a nested fermentation method for making a beverage, such as an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beer, a wine, or the like, the method comprising the steps of: creating a first solution, wherein creating the first solution comprises fermenting first fermentation ingredients; creating a second solution, wherein creating the second solution comprises removing a first portion of alcohol from the first solution; creating a third solution, wherein creating the third solution comprises removing a first portion of water from the second solution; creating a fourth solution, wherein creating the fourth solution comprises adding second fermentation ingredients to the third solution and fermenting the second fermentation ingredients in the third solution.

One embodiment of the present invention is a nested fermentation method for making a beverage, such as an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beer, a wine, or the like, the method comprising the steps of: creating a first solution, wherein creating the first solution comprises fermenting first fermentation ingredients; creating a second solution, wherein creating the second solution comprises removing a first portion of alcohol from the first solution; creating a third solution, wherein creating the third solution comprises removing a first portion of water from the second solution; creating a fourth solution, wherein creating the fourth solution comprises adding second fermentation ingredients to the third solution and fermenting the second fermentation ingredients in the third solution.

The present invention relates to a beer manufacturing device configured such that it is possible to directly produce and sell beer, the yeast of which is alive, on the spot without any expertise, and it is possible to easily manufacture various kinds of beer automatically at a low cost through a single session without a concern that the same will be contaminated by contact with the outside. A beer manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a machine room comprising a cooling device for generating cold air and a cold air storage portion for storing the cold air generated by the cooling device; a fermentation chamber having a plurality of chambers having independent spaces such that kegs that contain wort are mounted therein; and a support portion for supporting the machine chamber and the fermentation chamber. The fermentation chamber may comprise a cold air supply device for supplying the cold air stored in the cold air storage portion into the chambers, and a fermentation device for fermenting the wort contained in the kegs mounted in the chambers.

The present invention relates to a beer manufacturing device configured such that it is possible to directly produce and sell beer, the yeast of which is alive, on the spot without any expertise, and it is possible to easily manufacture various kinds of beer automatically at a low cost through a single session without a concern that the same will be contaminated by contact with the outside. A beer manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a machine room comprising a cooling device for generating cold air and a cold air storage portion for storing the cold air generated by the cooling device; a fermentation chamber having a plurality of chambers having independent spaces such that kegs that contain wort are mounted therein; and a support portion for supporting the machine chamber and the fermentation chamber. The fermentation chamber may comprise a cold air supply device for supplying the cold air stored in the cold air storage portion into the chambers, and a fermentation device for fermenting the wort contained in the kegs mounted in the chambers.

The method comprises a step for culturing microorganisms and a fermentation step. The apparatus comprises two compartments (5 6), one for each step of the method, and the two are separated by a filtering barrier (8), which allows circulation of the medium to be fermented.