Number of molecules that, in the right concentrations, make up dark chocolate’s aroma. According to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, if these 25 molecules were isolated on their own, most of them would not have a pleasant smell. For example, the odor molecule with the highest concentrations in chocolate, acetic acid, smells like vinegar.
Percentage increase in gin consumption globally in 2018, the largest such gain in beverage alcohol consumption in the world that year, according to the International Wines and Spirits Record. One reason for the spike in gin consumption? The new popularity of pink gin, which sold more than 72 million cases last year.
Number of ancient yeast strains—estimated to be 5,000 years old—recently discovered in Israel. Scientists were able to successfully revitalize the yeasts to brew ancient beer. According to the Israel Antiquities Authority, this is the first time living yeasts have been excavated and used to produce an alcoholic beverage that was consumed in ancient times.
Number of millions of vines planted across England and Wales this year, making the UK one of the fastest growing wine regions in the world. According to the Wines of Great Britain, there are now just over 8,600 acres of vineyard, mainly in southeast England. The majority of wines made in the UK are sparkling (69%).
Approximate number of wineries currently in the U.S., according to Wines Vines Analytics. California (not surprisingly) has the greatest number of wineries in the country with more than 4,500. The next most winery-rich states include Oregon and Washington (8% each), New York (4%), and Texas, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio (3% each).
Approximate number of years humans have been eating plant starches, according to the Journal of Human Evolution. An archaeological dig along the Klasies River in South Africa recently found charred remnants of rhizomes and tubers (think ginger and yams), indicating that humans have been roasting plants approximately 100,000 years longer than we’ve been farming them.
Year that lead in wine capsules was banned in California. The law, effective January 1 of that year, came two years before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned lead nationwide in wine bottles. According to Wines Vines Analytics, lead substitutes in capsules include tin, polylaminate, aluminum, and PVC.
Percentage of alcohol by volume of a new beer based on a famous medieval recipe created by the monks of Grimbergen Abbey in Belgium. The recipe was thought to be lost when the monastery was badly burned during the French Revolution. However, volunteers recently found books that had survived in the monastery’s library and they translated the old recipes. Grimbergen Abbey beer can now be brewed once again.
Estimated value (in billions of U.S. dollars) of the company Impossible Foods, which makes meatless, plant-based burgers, according to Reuters. The so-called Impossible Burger (named because it’s theoretically “impossible” to differentiate it from traditional beef patties) has exploded in popularity in recent years thanks to consumers looking for alternatives to beef.
Combined percentage of tariffs and taxes expected to be imposed on U.S. wines by China, as of tomorrow. Meanwhile, earlier this year, China reduced import tariffs on Australian, New Zealand, and Chilean wines to 0%. According to The New York Times, China is the biggest buyer in the world of Australian wine, with exports to China rising 959% since 2008.