Japan may be leading in technological advancements and inventions but now they have something to offer to the alcohol lovers. The Japanese have found an alcohol making method from wood! The researchers from Japan's Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute have said these bark-based beverages have similar qualities like alcohol, which is kept to age in the long wooden barrels. They are optimistic of having this wood-based alcohol for sale within three years.

In this method, the wood is reduced into tiny particles, into a powder like mixture. It is then made it into a creamy paste later yeast is added to it. Also, an additional enzyme to start the fermentation process completes the making. But avoiding the heat is also a must as it can help in preserving the specific flavour of different woods. So far, the alcohol has been made from woods of cedar, birch and cherry.

Four kilograms of cedar wood gave them 3.8 litres of liquid with an alcohol content of around 15 percent, similar to that of Japan's much-loved sake. The researchers have experimented with both brewed and distilled versions of the new beverage. Wood has for long been used to produce biofuel but the product contains toxins and is flavourless. So no one would have thought it would ever make it a cocktail component. "But our method can make it drinkable, and with a wood flavour, because it does not require high heat or sulphuric acid to decompose the wood," researcher Kengo Magara said to the AFP.

The project was a result of their broad mandate for scientific study related to Japan's extensive woods. Although it may not be the best one, it is sure a project well thought of. "It's a dream-inspired project. Japan has plenty of trees across the nation and we hope people can enjoy wood alcohols that are specialised from each region," Magara said. The government institute is looking to expand it into a commercial idea with a private-sector partner. If all goes well, then within a span of 3 years we will have wood alcohol on the shelves. We are sure people 'wood' not mind it!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 01, 2018 05:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).