Patent Publication Number: US-11649422-B2

Title: Alcoholic beverage maturing device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/885,605 filed on Oct. 16, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,604,730, for an “ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE MATURING DEVICE” and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Alcoholic beverages, such as vodka, tequila, rum, bourbon, scotch, brandy and the like are generally produced through a distillation process. Once produced, in order to improve the taste and smoothness of the beverage, many products are aged. For instance, bourbons and scotches are typically aged at least three years prior to being sold for consumption. Rums, tequilas and brandies are aged for varying amounts from two to ten years or even more. 
     In the past, alcoholic beverages, such as bourbon and scotch, for example, have been aged in oak barrels or casks over long periods of time. The beverages are aged in the wooden containers in order to remove unwanted components and to impart certain colors, flavors and fragrances to enhance the smoothness and taste of the beverage. During the aging process, the distillates can react with components in the wood, such as lignins, tannins, and carbohydrates. Distillation and aging techniques have changed little over the last several hundred years. 
     Unfortunately, the costs of conventional aging processes are enormous, often accounting for half to two-thirds or even more of the cost of the spirit to consumers. For instance, to ensure product quality, the oak barrels should be stored in warehouses under carefully controlled temperature and humidity conditions for very long periods of time. The barrels are not only very expensive to manufacture but also take up a significant amount of space. Further, much of the alcoholic product can be lost during aging due to evaporation through the pores of the barrels. 
     In addition, natural barrel aging also presents limitations to the chemical reactions which are believed to improve spirit flavor and quality. For instance, oxidation and esterification reactions which are believed to assure spirit smoothness and flavor tend to be inefficient and unable to proceed to completeness at the temperatures which are preferred for limiting loss of product due to evaporation. Thus a balance must be struck with aging processes between increased temperature in order to promote desired chemical reactions and lower temperature desired to limit product evaporation. 
     Certain processes for rapidly maturing alcoholic beverages have been developed that involve subjecting the alcoholic beverages to ultrasonic energy. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,063,867 to Tyler, T I I et al., which is incorporated herein by reference as to all relevant matters, is directed to a process for maturing alcoholic beverages including subjecting the alcoholic beverages to a disclosed amount of ultrasonic energy. However, a need still exists for a device capable of efficiently subjecting the alcoholic beverage to ultrasonic energy. Accordingly, a device for maturing alcoholic beverages capable of efficiently subjecting the alcoholic beverage to ultrasonic energy would be beneficial. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an alcoholic beverage maturing device is provided. The alcoholic beverage maturing device includes a container defining an interior volume for holding an alcoholic beverage. The alcoholic beverage maturing device additionally includes an ultrasonic energy device for subjecting the alcoholic beverage within the interior volume of the container to ultrasonic energy. The ultrasonic energy device defines a range of exposure of ultrasonic energy to the interior volume of the container greater than 180 degrees. 
     In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method of maturing an alcoholic beverage using an alcoholic beverage maturing device is provided. The alcoholic beverage maturing device includes a container having an interior volume and an ultrasonic energy device defining a range of exposure to the interior volume greater than 180 degrees. The method includes providing an alcoholic beverage to be matured to the interior volume of the container, and providing ultrasonic energy to the alcoholic beverage within the interior volume of the container with the ultrasonic energy device in a range of directions exceeding 180 degrees. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a side view of a system for maturing alcoholic beverages in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of an alcoholic beverage maturing device from the exemplary system of  FIG.  1    in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    is a front view of the exemplary alcoholic beverage maturing device of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a bottom portion of the exemplary alcohol beverage maturing device of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  5    is a top view of the exemplary alcoholic beverage maturing device of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  6    is a top, simplified schematic view of an ultrasonic energy device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    is a side, simplified schematic view of the exemplary ultrasonic energy device of  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  8    is a side view of an alcoholic beverage maturing device in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    is a flow diagram of a method for maturing an alcoholic beverage in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to present embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of the invention. As used herein, the terms “first”, “second”, and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the direction to which the fluid flows. 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein identical numerals indicate the same elements throughout the figures,  FIG.  1    depicts a system  10  for efficiently maturing alcoholic beverages. As used herein, the term “alcoholic beverages” refers generally to any distilled beverage, such as vodka, tequila, rum, whiskey, bourbon, scotch, brandy, etc. 
     The system  10  generally includes an infeed storage tank  12 , an alcoholic beverage maturing device  14 , and an outfeed storage tank  16 . The infeed storage tank  12  may contain a volume of alcoholic beverage to be matured by the maturing device  14 . By contrast, the outfeed storage tank  16  may capture and hold a volume of alcoholic beverage that has been matured by the maturing device  14 . For the embodiment depicted, the infeed storage tank  12  is positioned above the outfeed storage tank  16 , such that the alcoholic beverage may be at least in part gravity fed from the infeed storage tank  12 , through the alcoholic beverage maturing device  14 , and to the outfeed storage tank  16 . 
     The infeed storage tank  12  and outfeed storage tank  16  may each be approximately the same size tanks, and further each of the infeed storage tank  12  and outfeed storage tank  16  may be formed of any suitable material. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, one or both of the infeed storage tank  12  or outfeed storage tank  16  may be formed of a suitable plastic or metal material. 
     Referring now also to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , a perspective view and a front view of the exemplary alcoholic beverage maturing device  14  included in the system  10  of  FIG.  1    are provided. The alcoholic beverage maturing device  14  defines an axial direction A (with an axial centerline  15  depicted in phantom for reference), a radial direction R, and a circumferential direction C. For the embodiment depicted, the alcoholic beverage maturing device  14  is configured as a vertically oriented maturing device. Accordingly, for the embodiment depicted, the axial direction A may be substantially parallel to a vertical direction. 
     Additionally, the alcoholic beverage maturing device  14  generally includes a container  18  defining an interior volume  20  for holding an alcoholic beverage and an ultrasonic energy device  22  for subjecting alcoholic beverage within the interior volume  20  of the container  18  to ultrasonic energy. For the embodiment depicted, the container  18  is held in position by a mobile frame  24 , such that the alcoholic beverage maturing device  14  may be easily moved if desired. More specifically, the mobile frame  24  includes a circumferential support bar  26  extending around the container  18  generally along the circumferential direction C, with a plurality of radial stabilizing bars  28  extending inwardly along the radial direction R from the circumferential support bar  26  to the container  18 . At a distal end  30  of each of the radial stabilizing bars  28 , the radial stabilizing bars  28  include a bumper  32  configured to contact the container  18  and stabilize the container  18 . Each of the bumpers  32  may be formed of any suitable material, such as an elastomeric or other rubber material, e.g., to avoid damaging the container  18  and/or to grip the container  18 . 
     The mobile frame  24  additionally includes a plurality of axial support bars  34  extending generally along the axial direction A, which connect the circumferential support bar  26  to a skirt  36  extending around a base of the container  18  in the circumferential direction C. The skirt  36  may attach to or include one or more members (not shown) configured to support the container  18 . The skirt  36  is, in turn, attached to a plurality of legs  38 , each leg  38  having a caster or roller  40  designed to allow the alcoholic beverage maturing device  14  to be moved to a desired location. 
     Moreover, the mobile frame  24  further includes a vertically extending support bar  42  extending upward along the vertical direction from the circumferential support bar  26  and over a top of the container  18 . As will be discussed below, one or more electrical wires or other control elements may be suspended from a portion of the support bar  42  positioned over the top of the container  18 . 
     It should be appreciated, of course, that the exemplary mobile frame  24  depicted is provided by way of example only and that in other exemplary embodiments, the maturing device  14  may include any other suitable frame for stabilizing the container  18 . For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the mobile frame  24  may instead be a stationary frame that is not configured to be easily moved if desired. Additionally, in other exemplary embodiments, one or more aspects of the frame may be formed integrally with the container  18  such that at least a portion of the container  18  is also considered the frame. 
     Additionally, a control panel  44  is provided attached to the mobile frame  24  having a plurality of controls  46  thereon. The controls  46  may be configured to control one or more operations of the alcoholic beverage maturing device  14 , as will be discussed below. In certain exemplary embodiments, one or more of the controls  46  may be pneumatically operated controls to minimize the amount of electronics positioned proximate the container  18 . 
     The container  18  of the alcoholic beverage maturing device  14  extends generally along the axial direction A between a first end and a second end. Specifically, the exemplary alcoholic beverage maturing device  14  depicted is vertically oriented. Accordingly, for the embodiment depicted, the first end may be considered a top end  48  and the second end may be considered a bottom end  50 . Additionally, the exemplary container  18  defines a substantially cylindrical shaped body  52  between the first and second ends  48 ,  50 , and includes an integrally formed, substantially domed or semi-spherical shape cap  54  at the bottom end  50 . By contrast, the container  18  includes a removable lid  56  at the top end  48  enclosing the interior volume  20  defined by the container  18 . However, in other exemplary embodiments, the container  18  may have any other suitable shape and/or orientation. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the container  18  may have a squared, rectangular, ovular, or other polygon or curved cross-sectional shape. Additionally, although the exemplary container  18  is depicted oriented along the vertical direction, in other exemplary embodiments, the container  18  may instead be oriented in any other suitable direction. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the container  18  may be oriented generally along a horizontal direction, such that the axial direction A of the container  18  extends substantially parallel to the horizontal direction. 
     Referring still to the embodiment depicted, the container  18  is formed of a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent material to allow a user to view the interior volume  20  of the container  18 . For example, the container  18  may be formed of a glass material, a transparent plastic material (such as those known by the trade names Plexiglas or Acrylite), a borosilicate glass, a quartz glass, a polycarbonate glass material, or any other suitable materials. Alternatively, however, the container  18  may be formed of a non-transparent material, such as a suitable metal material, non-transparent plastic material, or ceramic material. 
     The container  18  additionally defines an inlet  58  (shown in phantom in  FIG.  1   ) and an outlet  60 . For the exemplary system  10  of  FIG.  1   , the inlet  58  is in fluid communication with the infeed storage tank  12  via an inlet conduit  62 . Similarly, the outlet  60  is in fluid communication with the outfeed storage tank  16  via an outlet conduit  64 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG.  4   , a top, cross-sectional, schematic view of the inlet  58  defined by the container  18  is provided. As shown, the inlet  58  for the embodiment depicted defines an angle with the radial direction of the alcoholic beverage maturing device  14 . More specifically, the inlet  58  defines an inlet flow direction F, and the inlet flow direction F defines an angle  59  with a radial reference line  61  extending from the inlet  58  to the central axis  15  of the alcoholic beverage maturing device  14 . The angle  59  may, in certain embodiments, be any angle greater than zero. For example, the angle  59  may be between about five degrees and about eighty-five degrees, such as between about fifteen degrees and about seventy-five degrees, such as between about thirty degrees and about forty-five degrees. Such a configuration may generate a desired flow of the alcoholic beverage through the container  18 . For example, such a configuration may generate a spiral-shaped flow of the alcoholic beverage through the container  18 , encircling the ultrasonic energy device  22  as the alcoholic beverage flows along the axial direction A towards the outlet  60  (e.g., in a corkscrew/helical flow). 
     Notably, referring again to  FIGS.  1  through  3   , the alcoholic beverage maturing device  14  may be configured as a continuous flow alcoholic beverage maturing device. More specifically, a continuous flow of alcoholic beverage to be matured may flow from the inlet  58  of the container  18 , through the container  18  (e.g., in the manner described above with reference to  FIG.  4   ), and to the outlet  60  of the container  18 . The amount of exposure of ultrasonic energy from the ultrasonic energy device  22  to the alcohol beverage to be matured by the maturing device  14  may thus be controlled by regulating a flowrate of the alcohol beverage through the container  18  of the maturing device  14 . Accordingly, as depicted partially in phantom, a portion of the inlet conduit  62  may extend through the various frame members of the frame  24  to the control panel  44  of the container  18 . The controls  46  of the control panel  44  include a flow metering device  63  with a control knob  65 . The flow metering device  63  and control knob  65  are configured to control a flow rate of the alcoholic beverage through the container  18  of the maturing device  14  by regulating a flow through the inlet conduit  62 . 
     Further, as discussed above, the alcoholic beverage to be matured in the infeed storage tank  12  may be gravity fed to the maturing device  14 . Similarly, the matured alcoholic beverage from the maturing device  14  may be gravity fed to the outfeed storage tank  16 . For example, as shown, the outlet  60  is positioned proximate the top end  48  of the container  18  and the inlet  58  is positioned proximate the bottom end  50  of the container  18 . Additionally, the outlet  60  of the container  18  is positioned above an inlet  66  of the outfeed storage tank  16  to assist in facilitating such gravity feeding. 
     It should be appreciated, however, that in other exemplary embodiments, the system  10  may provide for a flow of alcoholic beverages to and through the maturing device  14  in any other suitable manner. For example, in other embodiments, the alcoholic beverage may be fed through the alcoholic beverage maturing device  14  using one or more pumps or other similar devices. Accordingly, in such exemplary embodiments, the infeed storage tank  12  and/or the outfeed storage tank  16  may be positioned at any suitable location and elevation relative to the alcoholic beverage maturing device  14 . Additionally, in such an exemplary embodiment, the pumps or other similar devices may be in operable communication with the controls  46  of the control panel  44 . 
     Additionally, referring still to  FIGS.  1  through  3   , for the embodiment depicted, the ultrasonic energy device  22  extends at least partially through the interior volume  20  of the container  18 . More particularly, for the exemplary embodiment depicted, the container  18  defines a height H along the axial direction A ( FIG.  1   ), i.e. between the top end  48  and bottom end  50 . Additionally, the ultrasonic energy device  22  extends substantially along the height H of the container  18  and substantially along the axial direction A of the alcoholic beverage maturing device  14 . It should be appreciated, that as used herein, terms of approximation, such as “about” or “substantially,” refer to being within a ten percent margin of error. 
     Moreover, referring now also to  FIG.  5   , providing a top view of the exemplary alcoholic beverage maturing device  14  of  FIG.  1   , the ultrasonic energy device  22  additionally extends substantially through a center of the container  18 . Accordingly, with such a configuration, the alcoholic beverage maturing device  14  may maximize the exposure of the alcoholic beverage contained within the interior volume  20  of the container  18  to ultrasonic energy from the ultrasonic energy device  22 . More specifically, the ultrasonic energy device  22  for the exemplary alcoholic beverage maturing device  14  depicted defines a range of exposure  70  of ultrasonic energy to the interior volume  20  of the container  18  greater than one hundred eighty (180) degrees. Particularly for the exemplary embodiment depicted, the range of exposure  70  of ultrasonic energy to the interior volume  20  of the container  18 , as defined along the circumferential direction C, is approximate three hundred sixty (360) degrees. Additionally, given the substantially cylindrical shape of the container  18 , and the position of the ultrasonic energy device  22  extending through a center of the container  18 , the alcoholic beverage maturing device  14  may maximize an amount of alcoholic beverage positioned within an effective radius of the ultrasonic energy device  22 . 
     It should be appreciated, that as used herein, the term “range of exposure” refers to an angular range (within a plane, such as a plane perpendicular to the axial direction A) within which a straight line originating at a reference point within a first component (e.g., the ultrasonic energy device  22 ) may be rotated while still intersecting a second component (e.g., the interior volume  20  of the container  18 ). Accordingly, with respect to providing ultrasonic energy from the ultrasonic energy device  22 , range of exposure of ultrasonic energy refers to an angular range at which ultrasonic energy is provided by the ultrasonic energy device  22  to the interior volume  20  of the container  18 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , schematic, cross-sectional views are provided of an ultrasonic energy device  22  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically,  FIG.  6    provides a top, schematic, cross-sectional view of the exemplary ultrasonic energy device  22  along an axial direction A, and  FIG.  7    provides a side, schematic, cross-sectional view of the exemplary ultrasonic energy device  22  along a radial direction R. The ultrasonic energy device  22  of  FIGS.  6  and  7    may be configured in substantially the same manner as the exemplary ultrasonic energy device  22  of  FIGS.  1  through  5   , and thus the same or similar numbering may refer to same or similar parts. 
     In at least certain exemplary embodiments, the ultrasonic energy device  22  includes one or more speakers  72  for producing ultrasonic energy. Specifically, for the embodiment depicted, the ultrasonic energy device  22  includes a plurality of speakers  72  for producing ultrasonic energy. The ultrasonic energy device  22  is configured to subject the alcoholic beverage within the interior volume  20  of the container  18  to the ultrasonic energy produced by the plurality of speakers  72 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the plurality of speakers  72  may include one or more arrays  74  of speakers  72  ( FIG.  7   ), each array  74  including a plurality of speakers  72  spaced along the axial direction A. For the embodiment depicted, the ultrasonic energy device  22  includes four arrays  74  of axially oriented speakers  72 , each array  74  spaced along the circumferential direction C. With such a configuration, the ultrasonic energy device  22  may be capable of providing ultrasonic energy in a range of directions (indicated by arrows  76 ) up to about three hundred sixty (360) degrees along the circumferential direction C relative to an axial centerline  78  of the ultrasonic energy device  22 . For example, the ultrasonic energy device  22  may be positioned to subject the alcoholic beverage within the interior volume  20  of the container  18  to ultrasonic energy from a first side  80  in a first direction and from a second and opposite side  82  in a second and opposite direction. 
     Notably, for the embodiment depicted, each of the speakers  72  may be configured as unidirectional speakers providing ultrasonic energy in a relatively small (e.g., approximately 90 degrees) range of directions. It should be appreciated, however, that in other exemplary embodiments, one or more of the speakers  72  may be configured as omnidirectional speakers providing ultrasonic energy in a relatively large range of directions (e.g., 180 degrees, 270 degrees, 360 degrees). With such a configuration, the ultrasonic energy device may simply include a single omnidirectional speaker for providing the ultrasonic energy in the desired range of directions. Additionally, in still other embodiments, the plurality of speakers  72  may alternatively be arranged in any other suitable configuration. For example, instead of axially extending arrays  74  of speakers  72 , the ultrasonic energy device  22  may include one or more spiraled or helical shape arrays of speakers. 
     The speakers  72  may include any suitable speaker technology for generating ultrasonic energy. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, one or more of the plurality of speakers  72  may include any suitable dynamic loudspeaker technology, such as a push-pull speaker technology. Additionally, the speakers  72  may be configured to provide a wide range of ultrasonic energy to the interior volume  20  of the container  18 . For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, the ultrasonic energy provided by the plurality of speakers  72  can be at a power of at least about three Watts/liter, such as at least about five Watts/liter, or more specifically between about ten and about eighty Watts/liter. Moreover, the ultrasonic energy provided by the plurality of speakers  72  of the ultrasonic energy device  22  can be at a frequency greater than about 20,000 Hz, more specifically between about 20,000 and about 170,000 Hz. For example in one embodiment, the ultrasonic energy can be at a frequency greater than about 35,000 Hz. For instance, in one embodiment, the ultrasonic energy can be at a frequency of about 80,000 Hz. Of course, in other embodiments, the plurality of speakers  72  may provide ultrasonic energy at any other suitable power level or at any other suitable frequency. 
     Moreover, as may be seen in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the ultrasonic energy device  22  includes an outer enclosure  84  and an inner housing  86 . The plurality of speakers  72  of the ultrasonic energy device  22  are positioned within the outer enclosure  84  and inner housing  86 . More particularly, the plurality speakers  72  of the ultrasonic energy device  22  are positioned within the inner housing  86 . For example, the plurality of speakers  72  and inner housing  86  may be a prefabricated unit positioned within the ultrasonic energy device  22 . The ultrasonic energy device  22  additionally includes a liquid surrounding the plurality speakers  72  within the outer enclosure  84 . Specifically, the liquid is positioned in an annular void  88  defined between the outer enclosure  84  and inner housing  86  of the ultrasonic energy device  22 . The liquid may be any suitable liquid for transferring the ultrasonic energy. For example, the liquid may be water, a water mixture having one or more additives, a distilled liquid, or any other suitable liquid. Notably, inclusion of an intermediate liquid within the annular void  88  surrounding the inner housing  86  may prevent a contamination of the alcoholic beverage within the inner volume  20  of the container  18 . For example, wherein the inner housing  86  and speakers  72  are configured as a prefabricated unit, the inner housing  86  may be formed of a material that may degrade when exposed to alcohol and the ultrasonic energy produced. The degradation of the inner housing  86  may contaminate the liquid to which it is exposed. Accordingly, inclusion of an intermediate liquid within the annular void  88 , separated by the outer enclosure  84 , may prevent any such contamination from reaching any alcohol beverage being distilled within the container  18 . 
     The ultrasonic energy device  22 , or more particularly, the plurality of speakers  72  of the ultrasonic energy device  22  may be in electrical communication with a power source. For example, in at least certain exemplary embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted, the plurality speakers  72  may be in wired communication with a power source. The power source may be a central power source for powering each of the plurality of speakers  72 . Moreover, the power source may be contained within the ultrasonic energy device  22 , or alternatively, the power source may be external to the ultrasonic energy device  22 . For example, the power source may be a building utility line connected to the ultrasonic energy device  22  and the plurality of speakers  72  therein through one or more electrical lines. The one or more electrical lines may be attached to the ultrasonic energy device  22  and suspended from the vertical support bar  42  of the frame  24  of the energy device  22  (see  FIGS.  1  through  3   ). Alternatively, one or more of the plurality of speakers  72  may include an individual power source, such as a battery or battery pack, for powering such speakers  72 . 
     The ultrasonic energy device  22  may be operably connected to a plurality of controls of the alcoholic beverage maturing device  14  of which the ultrasonic energy device  22  is included. For example, the plurality of controls may be configured as the controls  46  on the control panel  44  described above with reference to the embodiment of  FIGS.  1  through  3   . The controls  46  may allow a user to change a frequency and/or power level of the ultrasonic energy device  22  as desired. 
     An alcoholic beverage maturing device in accordance with exemplary aspects of the present disclosure may allow for efficiently subjecting an alcoholic beverage to ultrasonic energy to mature such alcoholic beverage. More particularly, by positioning an ultrasonic energy device capable of generating ultrasonic energy and a wide range of directions within a container at a location such that an exposure of the ultrasonic energy device to the alcoholic beverage within the container is maximized, the alcoholic beverage may be more efficiently subjected to the ultrasonic energy as desired. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  8   , a side view of an exemplary alcoholic beverage maturing device  14  in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The exemplary alcoholic beverage maturing device  14  of  FIG.  8    may be configured in substantially the same manner as the exemplary alcoholic beverage maturing device  14  described above with reference to  FIGS.  1  through  5   . For example, as shown, the exemplary alcohol beverage maturing device  14  generally includes a container  18  defining an interior volume  20  for holding an alcoholic beverage, and an ultrasonic energy device  22  for subjecting the alcohol beverage within the interior volume  20  of the container  18  to ultrasonic energy. Similar to the exemplary embodiment above, for the exemplary alcoholic beverage maturing device  14  of  FIG.  8   , the ultrasonic energy device  22  extends generally along the height H of the container. Notably, however, for the exemplary embodiment of  FIG.  8   , the ultrasonic energy device  22  does not extend exactly along an axial direction A of the maturing device  14 . More particularly, for the embodiment of  FIG.  8   , the ultrasonic energy device  22  defines a central axis  78 , and the container  18  also defines a central axis  90 . The central axis  90  of the container  18  for the embodiment depicted is parallel to the central axis  15  of the maturing device  14  and axial direction A ( FIG.  1   ). Additionally, for the embodiment depicted, the central axis  78  of the ultrasonic energy device  22  is offset from the central axis  90  of the container  18 . Specifically, the central axis  78  of the ultrasonic energy device  22  defines an angle  92  with the central axis  90  of the container  18 . In certain embodiments, the angle  92  between the central axis  78  of the ultrasonic energy device  22  and the central axis  90  of the container  18  may be between one degree and about fifteen degrees. For example, the angle  92  may be between about two degrees and about ten degrees, such as between about three degrees and about eight degrees. Such a configuration may assist with maintaining integrity of the container  18 , by preventing or minimizing an amount of standing waves/stationary waves generated between the ultrasonic energy device  22  and an outer wall of the container  18 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  9   , a method of maturing an alcoholic beverage using an alcoholic beverage maturing device is provided. The exemplary method ( 100 ) may mature an alcoholic beverage utilizing the exemplary alcoholic beverage maturing device  14  described above with reference to  FIG.  1  through  5   , or any other suitable alcohol beverage maturing device  14  (such as the exemplary alcohol beverage maturing device  14  described above reference to  FIG.  8   ). Accordingly, the exemplary method ( 100 ) may utilize and alcoholic beverage maturing device including a container having an interior volume and an ultrasonic energy device. The ultrasonic energy device may define a range of exposure to the interior volume greater than one hundred and eighty degrees. 
     The exemplary method ( 100 ) includes at ( 102 ) providing an alcoholic beverage to be matured to the interior volume of the container. In certain exemplary aspects, providing the alcoholic beverage to be matured to the interior volume of the container at ( 102 ) may include gravity feeding the alcoholic beverage to be matured to the interior volume of the container from an infeed storage tank. 
     The exemplary method ( 100 ) additionally includes at ( 104 ) providing ultrasonic energy to the alcoholic beverage within the interior volume of the container with the ultrasonic energy device in a range of directions exceeding one hundred and eighty degrees. More specifically, in certain exemplary aspects, providing ultrasonic energy to the alcoholic beverage within the interior volume of the container at ( 104 ) may further include providing ultrasonic energy to the alcoholic beverage within the interior volume of the container with the ultrasonic energy device in a range of directions of approximately three hundred and sixty degrees. 
     Referring still to  FIG.  9   , the exemplary method ( 100 ) additionally includes at ( 106 ) draining the alcoholic beverage from the interior volume of the container through an outlet of the container positioned proximate a top end of the container. 
     Moreover, it should be appreciated, that although the exemplary systems  10  described above with reference to  FIGS.  1  through  5   , and with reference to  FIG.  8   , are used to mature an alcoholic beverage, in other exemplary embodiments, the exemplary system, including the maturing device, may not be configured to mature in alcohol beverage, and instead may be used to mature, e.g., biofuels, vinegar or other food products, perfumes, etc. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.