Plot Twist: From a whisky glass to the universe

What could whisky tasting possibly have in common with astronomy and astrophysics? Esko Valtaoja’s lesser-known passion opens an unexpected route from aromas in a glass to molecules in interstellar space.

At first glance, whisky tasting and the study of the universe seem as far apart as two subjects can be. One begins with a drink poured into a glass, an aroma and a taste. The other reaches towards stars, galaxies and the immense distances of space.

Look again. Both are ultimately stories about matter, observation and molecules – and about what they can teach us about the world around us.

That is the plot twist at the heart of this encounter: a small measure of whisky can open a conversation about the entire universe.

An astronomer’s lesser-known passion

Esko Valtaoja is widely known as an astronomer, a communicator of science and a thinker drawn to the universe’s biggest questions. Less attention has been paid to his interest in whisky.

Valtaoja enjoys exploring whiskies and hosting tastings for friends. In his hands, a tasting does not stop at listing aromas. His extensive knowledge of astronomy and astrophysics follows him to the table, giving a familiar drink an unexpected scale.

A fruity, smoky or spicy note in the glass can lead to a much larger question: where did these molecules originate, where else do they occur, and could some of the same compounds also be found in space?

When a tasting becomes a journey into space

Whisky contains numerous volatile compounds that together create its aroma. Space, meanwhile, has revealed a surprisingly varied collection of molecules despite its extremely cold and sparse conditions.

At Habitare, Valtaoja will explore this connection with chemist Jari Tuominen. Their conversation moves from the immediate sensory experience of a whisky glass to interstellar space: what do these worlds genuinely have in common, and what can molecules tell us about both whisky and the universe?

The answers are not meant to be revealed in advance. That is precisely why the conversation is worth hearing in person.

The glass stays in a supporting role

A whisky tasting naturally needs a glass. Valtaoja likes to use the SAVU whisky glass developed by Jari Tuominen. In the Habitare discussion, however, the glass is primarily a tool – a starting point for aromas, observations and conversation.

The real protagonist is Valtaoja’s ability to connect two apparently distant worlds. A familiar pastime takes an entirely new direction when viewed through the eyes of an astronomer.

Two perspectives, one conversation

The encounter between Valtaoja and Tuominen reflects Habitare’s 2026 theme, Plot Twists: something familiar reveals an unexpected side and sends our thoughts in a completely new direction.

The Thursday morning discussion begins with a simple question: can the same molecules found in whisky also be found in space? Half an hour later, a whisky glass may look a little different. So might the universe.

Event information

Programme: Can the same molecules found in whisky also be found in space?

Speakers: Esko Valtaoja and Jari Tuominen

Time: Thursday, 3 September 2026, 11:00–11:30

Venue: Lava Stage, Hall 3, Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre

SAVU glass: stand 3f31, Habitare 2–6 September 2026