Spirits Industry Breakthrough — US Patent Awarded to Voodoo Scientific for the First-Ever Method that Eliminates Harshness

Efforts to extend the patent globally are already underway

LOS ANGELES, July 15, 2025 – Today, Voodoo Scientific, the innovators behind the first-ever product that enables distillers to fully eliminate harshness from their spirits, is pleased to announce the securement of their US patent, with efforts already underway to extend the patent globally.


Voodoo Scientific

Voodoo Scientific’s product is based on their scientific discovery of the precise compounds that create the unpleasant harshness sensation. By removing the overwhelming sensory effect created by these harsh compounds, a far more enjoyable and premium drinking experience is achieved while also uncovering the more subtle flavor characteristics unique to the spirit. This innovation enables spirits brands to achieve flavor innovations that were unavailable until now and delivering truly premium products to their consumer while leveraging manufacturing efficiencies at the same time.

Voodoo Scientific’s solution for distillers, Viriato, is an enzymatic system that is scientifically developed to target only the offending compounds by converting them into something safe and neutral.
Operationally, Viriato is designed to work with any process that a distiller may use, without requiring changes. It does not lengthen the manufacturing process or ethanol production, and it does not require changes to the spirit’s label. Viriato is effective with all types of spirits, regardless of the type — vodkas, tequilas, rums, brandies, sojus, whiskies, etc. 

This breakthrough innovation was also recognized by the most prestigious spirits industry group in the US, the Distilled Spirits Council of the US (DISCUS), with an award as a top Innovation of the Year.
Look for more announcements as Voodoo Scientific scales-up the manufacturing toward full commercial availability.
“This is how spirits will be made in the future. Why would a brand choose to leave unpleasant irritants that reduce their customers’ enjoyment and overwhelm the unique nuanced flavors of their products?” states Joana Montenegro, Chief Science Officer of Voodoo Scientific.

Montenegro continues, “The ability for spirits brands to create truly smooth products promises to be a game-changer for the industry. It is exciting to see the spirits brands we are talking with having a genuine enthusiasm for what innovative products they can now create.”

Spirits companies are catching on quickly to the overall magnitude of Voodoo Scientific’s innovation, and the brighter future ahead for the industry globally.

“As someone deeply involved with Bev Alc innovation for decades, it is clear that Voodoo Scientific’s technology will be transformative for the industry, and I’m excited to see the resulting next generation of products and consumers’ appreciation ascending to new heights.”

–Donald Wilkes, Founder & CEO of Blue Pacific Flavors, Inc.
“DISCUS and its members honored Voodoo Scientific with an award for their breakthrough innovation, and I am excited for their continued success and contributions to the industry.”
–Chris Swonger, President and CEO, Distilled Spirits Council of the US