To understand the science behind it, let’s first discuss how regular whiskey is made. The process is known as distillation, and it fundamentally consists of heating a liquid to turn it into vapors, then condensing it back into a liquid again. Whiskey goes through this process at least two times, if not three depending on the variety.

The raw material behind it is fermented grain mash, a sugary and starchy substance. What Gilpin does is replace this with the urine of elderly type-2 diabetes patients, which ferments into a clear alcohol spirit. From then on out, the beverage gets its taste, color, and viscosity from special whiskey blends.

Although Gilpin’s family whiskey is meant to be a high-end single malt whiskey, the creator doesn’t plan on commercializing it in the long run. Its purpose is more so to strike up a conversation on the illness in an unconventional way. But is it safe to drink? It is (at least for the most part), and not just Bear Grylls says so.

Please do keep in mind that there are some health hazards associated with drinking urine in its unprocessed form, including bacterial contamination and drug exposure. These risks decrease significantly once the stuff goes through repeated distillation, but it’s still advisable to practice caution. Bodily fluids are no laughing matter.