Apparatus and methods for the maturation of a beverage are described. The methods comprise the use of fluid conduits to connect fluid coolant outlets of distillation cooling apparatus employed within the distillation process of the beverage to a heating apparatus for a maturation storage volume. The fluid conduits therefore provide a means for transporting a coolant fluid from the distillation cooling apparatus to the maturation storage volume heating apparatus. Thus, heat contained within the coolant fluid once it exists from the distillation cooling apparatus can be employed to heat the maturation storage volume and so reduce the associated beverage maturation time. It is advantageous for the heating apparatus to comprise two or more heating areas which provide independent sources of heat to the maturation storage volume. The heating apparatus may comprise a floor heating apparatus for a warehouse within which the beverage is stored.
C12H 1/08 - Precipitation by physical means, e.g. by irradiation, vibrations by heating
C12H 1/16 - Pasteurisation, sterilisation, preservation, purification, clarification, or ageing of alcoholic beverages without precipitation by physical means, e.g. irradiation
C12H 1/18 - Pasteurisation, sterilisation, preservation, purification, clarification, or ageing of alcoholic beverages without precipitation by physical means, e.g. irradiation by heating
patents