This distinctive spirit originates from a Colorado-based distillery famend for its dedication to conventional distilling strategies. It begins with the fermentation of choose apple varieties, adopted by cautious distillation to seize the fruit’s essence. The ensuing distillate is then matured in particular oak barrels, imparting nuanced flavors and aromas to the ultimate product. The result is a fruit-forward whiskey with a balanced profile, appropriate for each sipping and cocktail purposes.
The attraction of this product lies in its distinctive character, providing a departure from standard grain-based whiskeys. Its manufacturing course of emphasizes pure substances and time-honored methods, contributing to a fancy and layered taste profile. The historic context of fruit-based spirits provides to its attract, connecting it to traditions of orchard-based distillation practiced for hundreds of years. The spirit affords versatility, complementing a variety of culinary pairings and cocktail creations.
Subsequent sections will delve into the precise manufacturing course of, analyze the flavour profile intimately, study prompt serving strategies, and examine it to different fruit-based spirits in the marketplace. We may even discover its function in mixology and spotlight noteworthy cocktails that showcase its distinctive traits.
1. Apple Varietals
The number of particular apple varietals kinds a foundational component in shaping the flavour profile of the spirit. The selection shouldn’t be arbitrary; it is a deliberate course of primarily based on every selection’s distinctive sugar content material, acidity, and fragrant compounds. As an example, a mix incorporating high-sugar apples contributes to the next preliminary alcohol yield throughout fermentation. Conversely, apples with increased acidity can impart a tartness that balances the spirit’s sweetness. The fragrant compounds current in every varietalesters, aldehydes, and terpenesdirectly affect the ultimate product’s nostril, contributing notes of inexperienced apple, baked apple, or cider spice. With out cautious consideration of the apple mix, the ultimate distilled spirit would lack the fascinating complexity.
The distillery’s practices doubtless contain experimentation with completely different combos of apple varietals to attain a particular taste goal. Documentation of this course of, together with knowledge on apple ripeness, fermentation temperatures, and distillation cuts, would additional illuminate the influence of every varietal. Sensible software of this data extends past manufacturing; understanding the varietal contribution informs client expectations and permits for knowledgeable pairing suggestions. Particular apple varietals contribute to completely different traits, and even a slight alteration can change the entire course of.
In abstract, the number of apple varietals represents a important management level within the manufacturing course of. This alternative determines the foundational fragrant and taste traits of the completed spirit. The interaction between completely different varietals permits for the creation of a fancy and nuanced consuming expertise. Additional analysis into the precise apple mix utilized would solidify this understanding, providing useful insights for each producers and customers.
2. Small-batch distillation
Small-batch distillation is central to the standard and character of the featured apple whiskey. This technique prioritizes meticulous management and a focus to element, influencing the ultimate product’s taste profile and general high quality.
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Exact Management Over Fermentation
Small-batch distillation permits for stringent monitoring of the fermentation course of. By dealing with smaller volumes, distillers can extra simply keep optimum temperature and yeast exercise, resulting in a extra constant and managed conversion of sugars into alcohol. That is important as a result of the fermentation course of straight impacts the precursors to lots of the flavors and aromas discovered within the ultimate apple whiskey. In distinction, large-scale fermentation typically sacrifices precision for effectivity, doubtlessly introducing undesirable off-flavors. Within the case of the apple whiskey, management throughout fermentation means a brighter, cleaner apple taste.
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Cautious Choice of “Cuts”
The distillation course of entails separating the distillate into three fractions: the “heads,” “hearts,” and “tails.” The “hearts” characterize the specified fraction, containing the purest and most flavorful alcohol. Small-batch distillation permits a extra exact number of these “cuts.” Distillers could make finer judgments about the place to start and finish the gathering of the “hearts,” excluding harsher compounds discovered within the “heads” and undesirable flavors concentrated within the “tails.” This degree of management permits for a refined and clean ultimate product. This cautious choice maximizes the apple traits whereas minimizing the undesirable parts.
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Enhanced Taste Focus
Small-batch distillation typically entails utilizing pot stills, that are much less environment friendly at separating congeners (taste compounds) than column stills. Whereas this may increasingly look like a disadvantage, it permits for a larger focus of fascinating taste compounds to hold over into the ultimate distillate. These congeners, derived from the apples and the fermentation course of, contribute to the advanced and nuanced taste profile that’s typically attribute of small-batch spirits. This technique produces a whiskey with extra character, and a richer, full-bodied style.
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Flexibility for Experimentation
Small-batch manufacturing gives a framework for experimentation. Distillers can readily take a look at completely different apple varietals, fermentation methods, and ageing processes with out committing to a large-scale manufacturing run. This flexibility promotes innovation and permits distillers to hone their craft, resulting in distinctive and distinctive spirits. This experimentation permits for creating new batches to push the product’s taste profile, and discover it is full potential.
In abstract, small-batch distillation as practiced within the manufacturing of this apple whiskey, represents a dedication to high quality and management. From exact fermentation to cautious number of cuts and the encouragement of taste focus, every facet of the method contributes to the whiskeys distinctive character. This dedication to small-batch strategies creates a ultimate outcome that represents a harmonious mix of artwork and science.
3. Oak Barrel Getting old
Oak barrel ageing is a transformative course of that considerably influences the aroma, taste, and general character of Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey. The interplay between the spirit and the oak wooden over time imparts advanced compounds, shaping the ultimate product in profound methods.
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Taste Extraction and Modification
Oak barrels comprise a wide range of compounds, together with vanillin, tannins, and lactones, which can be extracted by the spirit throughout ageing. Vanillin contributes notes of vanilla and sweetness, whereas tannins impart dryness and construction. Lactones, significantly these derived from American oak, contribute coconut and spice notes. The precise kind of oak, the diploma of charring or toasting, and the period of ageing all have an effect on the extraction charge and the focus of those compounds. The whiskey absorbs these compounds, which modify the unique apple profile.
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Shade Improvement
Because the apple whiskey ages in oak, it undergoes a gradual shade transformation, shifting from a transparent distillate to a golden or amber hue. This shade growth is primarily because of the extraction of pigments from the oak wooden. The depth of the colour is straight associated to the ageing interval and the kind of oak used. This visible cue gives customers with an preliminary indication of the spirit’s age and potential taste complexity.
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Oxidation and Esterification
Oak barrels are porous, permitting for sluggish oxidation of the spirit. This managed oxidation softens the harsher edges of the distillate and promotes the formation of esters, which contribute fruity and floral aromas. Esterification, the response between alcohols and acids, additional enhances the complexity of the aroma profile, including layers of depth and nuance. With out oxidation and esterification, the whiskey wouldn’t absolutely mature.
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Textural Adjustments
Oak ageing influences not solely the flavour and aroma of the apple whiskey but additionally its texture. The extraction of tannins from the oak can contribute to a smoother, extra rounded mouthfeel. Moreover, the sluggish oxidation course of can cut back the notion of harshness, leading to a extra refined and stylish texture. The barrels refine the general texture of the whiskey.
The oak barrel ageing course of is subsequently integral to the standard and distinctiveness of Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey. The spirit’s interplay with the oak wooden imparts a symphony of flavors, aromas, colours, and textures, reworking it from a easy apple distillate into a fancy and nuanced spirit. The cautious number of oak barrels and the exact management of ageing situations are important elements in reaching the specified taste profile.
4. Fruity Aroma
The fruity aroma is a defining attribute of Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey and a direct consequence of the manufacturing strategies and substances employed. The number of particular apple varietals for fermentation initiates this fragrant profile. Completely different apple varieties possess distinct unstable compounds that contribute to the general scent. These compounds, together with esters and aldehydes, are concentrated throughout the distillation course of, leading to a noticeable fruity perfume within the ultimate spirit. The aroma shouldn’t be merely a superficial attribute however an indicator of the whiskey’s composition and high quality, reflecting the bottom substances’ inherent traits.
The fermentation and distillation methods additional affect the fruity aroma. Managed fermentation preserves delicate fragrant compounds, stopping their loss or degradation. The usage of pot stills, versus column stills, contributes to a richer, extra concentrated taste and aroma profile because of much less environment friendly separation of congeners, which embody lots of the fruity aroma compounds. Oak ageing, whereas primarily contributing oak-derived notes like vanilla and spice, also can work together with and modify the prevailing fruity aromas, including complexity and depth. The size and sort of oak ageing can both improve or subdue the preliminary fruity character, demanding cautious administration.
Understanding the connection between fruity aroma and the manufacturing means of Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey has sensible implications for each producers and customers. Distillers can manipulate fermentation and distillation parameters to attain a desired fragrant profile. Shoppers can use the depth and nuances of the fruity aroma as a information to evaluate the standard and authenticity of the whiskey. The fruity aroma serves as a direct indicator of the spirit’s origins and craftsmanship, offering a tangible hyperlink to the apple varietals and manufacturing methods that outline its character. This significant facet invitations exploration and guides understanding the whiskey’s general id.
5. Complicated Taste
The advanced taste profile is a trademark of the apple whiskey, arising from a multifaceted manufacturing course of that integrates numerous influences. The ensuing tasting expertise extends past a easy apple style, incorporating layers of nuance attributable to the substances and methods used.
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Varietal Apple Mix Contributions
The distillery’s alternative of apple varieties kinds the inspiration of the advanced taste. Completely different apple varieties contribute distinctive sugar profiles, acidities, and fragrant compounds, making a layered preliminary style. A mix of tart and candy apples ensures the whiskey avoids being overly saccharine, whereas particular varietals add delicate notes of spice or floral aromas. The interaction between these varietal traits creates an preliminary depth that serves as a base for additional taste growth.
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Fermentation Byproduct Integration
The fermentation course of introduces byproducts that contribute to the spirit’s complexity. Esters, created throughout fermentation, impart fruity and floral notes past the unique apple character. The exact management of fermentation temperatures and yeast strains influences the sort and focus of those esters, enabling the distiller to form the flavour profile. Uncontrolled fermentation, against this, can result in the event of undesirable flavors, highlighting the significance of meticulous course of administration.
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Oak Barrel Getting old Impression
Oak barrel ageing is a important think about creating taste complexity. The barrel wooden imparts vanillins, tannins, and lactones, contributing vanilla, spice, and caramel notes. Moreover, the porous nature of the wooden permits for sluggish oxidation, which softens harsher compounds and promotes the formation of extra esters. The kind of oak, degree of char, and period of ageing considerably affect the precise flavors extracted from the wooden. This transformative course of layers non-apple flavors onto the bottom spirit, making a deeper, extra intricate profile.
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Distillation Method Refinement
Small-batch distillation, typically utilizing pot stills, permits for a larger focus of taste compounds within the ultimate product in comparison with extra environment friendly column stills. Whereas column stills produce a cleaner spirit, pot stills retain a broader vary of congeners, the flavour compounds that contribute to complexity. The distiller’s talent in making “cuts” throughout distillation, separating the fascinating “hearts” from the much less fascinating “heads” and “tails,” is essential in shaping the ultimate taste profile. This precision ensures the spirit retains its complexity with out together with harsh or disagreeable flavors.
These mixed elementsvarietal choice, managed fermentation, oak ageing, and distillation techniqueculminate within the advanced taste profile present in Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey. The interaction between these elements ends in a spirit that goes past a easy apple taste, providing a extra participating and complex consuming expertise. The method requires cautious administration and exact management at every stage to attain a balanced and nuanced ultimate product.
6. Colorado Distillery
The Colorado distillery location is integral to the id and manufacturing philosophy of Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey. The state’s local weather, water sources, and agricultural practices straight affect the spirit’s character and high quality. Colorado’s excessive altitude and variable temperatures influence the ageing course of, doubtlessly accelerating maturation and creating distinctive taste compounds. The provision of particular apple varieties throughout the area or from close by states contributes to the distinctive mix that defines the whiskey’s taste profile. The distillery’s location inside Colorado shouldn’t be merely incidental; it’s a deliberate alternative that displays a dedication to native assets and terroir.
The distillery’s dedication to sustainable practices throughout the Colorado ecosystem additional connects its model to its location. Water administration, waste discount, and sourcing native substances contribute to a regional id that resonates with customers. This regional connection gives advertising benefits, permitting the product to be positioned as authentically Colorado-made. The distillery leverages its location to draw tourism and promote academic packages, additional solidifying its ties to the area people and economic system. The selection of Colorado additionally dictates sure regulatory environments affecting manufacturing and distribution, necessitating adherence to native legal guidelines and doubtlessly influencing product availability in different states.
In summation, the “Colorado distillery” component is inextricably linked to the essence of the apple whiskey. It impacts uncooked materials sourcing, ageing situations, and the general model id. This connection fosters a way of authenticity and gives a aggressive benefit within the market. Understanding this relationship is essential for appreciating the spirit’s distinctive qualities and appreciating its place throughout the broader panorama of American whiskey manufacturing. The number of Colorado as a base isn’t just a location, however an energetic a part of the method.
7. Versatile spirit
The designation of Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey as a flexible spirit stems from its adaptability throughout a spread of serving strategies and taste pairings. Its nuanced character permits for consumption neat, on the rocks, or as a part in a large number of cocktails, making it a versatile addition to each skilled bars and residential collections. This versatility distinguishes it from extra narrowly outlined spirits which may be appropriate for less than particular purposes.
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Neat Consumption and Sipping
The spirit’s stability of fruit notes, oak affect, and underlying heat permits it to be loved neat, permitting the complete spectrum of flavors to be appreciated with out dilution. Served at room temperature, the inherent complexities of the apple and barrel-aging course of are highlighted. This method is suited to palates in search of a direct and unadulterated expertise of the whiskey’s profile. The nuanced taste permits for this model of enjoyment.
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Adaptability in Traditional Cocktails
Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey could be substituted for conventional whiskeys or brandies in basic cocktails, creating distinctive variations. For instance, its use in an Previous Original introduces a fruity sweetness that enhances the bitterness of the bitters and the citrus notes. In a Manhattan, it provides an apple-tinged twist that distinguishes it from the usual rye or bourbon variations. This adaptability permits bartenders and residential mixologists to experiment with acquainted recipes whereas creating novel taste combos.
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Inclusion in Revolutionary Cocktail Creations
Past substituting in basic cocktails, the spirit lends itself to revolutionary cocktail creations that showcase its distinct apple character. It pairs nicely with substances similar to cider, ginger, maple syrup, and numerous herbs and spices. The power to enhance each candy and savory parts makes it a useful software for creating distinctive and balanced cocktails. It is ready to create a signature cocktail that expresses its distinct style and scent.
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Culinary Purposes and Taste Pairings
The flexibility extends past drinks into culinary purposes. It may be utilized in sauces, marinades, and desserts so as to add depth of taste. Its fruity notes complement dishes similar to pork, poultry, and apple-based desserts. This facet of its versatility broadens its attraction to a wider viewers, together with cooks and residential cooks in search of to boost their recipes. It enhances all kinds of dishes, each candy and savory.
The multi-faceted purposes of Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey, from neat sipping to cocktail incorporation and culinary use, solidify its designation as a flexible spirit. This attribute contributes to its market attraction and permits it to be appreciated by a variety of customers with various preferences and wishes. Its adaptability ensures its relevance throughout numerous events and settings, additional enhancing its worth and recognition.
8. Cocktail ingredient
The function of Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey as a cocktail ingredient is paramount to its market positioning and consumption patterns. The spirit’s distinctive taste profile, characterised by pronounced apple notes balanced with oak and spice, permits it to function a base spirit or modifier in a wide range of combined drinks. Its influence on cocktail design is important, altering the character of conventional recipes and provoking new creations that showcase its distinctive qualities. The spirit’s adaptability inside cocktail formulations enhances its worth proposition to bartenders and residential mixologists alike.
Examples of the spirit’s software in cocktails embody variations on basic recipes such because the Previous Original and Manhattan, the place it introduces a fruit-forward dimension to the standard profiles. Its compatibility with substances like ginger, citrus, and fragrant bitters additionally makes it appropriate for authentic cocktail designs. The sensible significance of understanding the spirit’s qualities as a cocktail ingredient lies within the skill to successfully leverage its taste to create balanced and interesting drinks. Bartenders can use this data to craft signature cocktails or to supply distinctive twists on acquainted favorites, enhancing the shopper expertise and differentiating their choices. Its versatility permits it to adapt to all kinds of substances.
In abstract, the designation of Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey as a cocktail ingredient is key to its success and attraction. Its distinctive taste profile affords alternatives for each artistic and sensible software throughout the cocktail world. Recognizing and understanding its properties permits bartenders and fans to totally exploit its potential, contributing to each innovation and appreciation of the spirit. This facet of the whiskey is a key issue driving client curiosity and sustaining its place out there.
9. Sipping whiskey
The classification of Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey as a “sipping whiskey” is based on its nuanced taste profile and clean end, encouraging sluggish, contemplative consumption. This designation shouldn’t be merely advertising rhetoric however displays a deliberate manufacturing philosophy geared toward making a spirit pleasurable by itself, with out the necessity for mixers or dilution. The spirit’s cautious distillation and ageing processes are straight answerable for these qualities, differentiating it from whiskeys primarily supposed for cocktail use. As such, the “sipping whiskey” part is an important component of its general id and worth proposition.
A number of elements contribute to its suitability as a sipping whiskey. The number of particular apple varieties throughout fermentation impacts the whiskey’s preliminary taste profile, contributing fruity esters and unstable compounds which can be retained by way of cautious distillation. Getting old in oak barrels imparts additional complexity, including notes of vanilla, spice, and caramel that complement the apple character. The small-batch manufacturing technique permits for exact management over the distillation course of, enabling the distiller to pick out the “hearts” minimize, the fraction containing probably the most fascinating flavors and aromas, whereas minimizing harsh or undesirable compounds. An actual-world instance of that is the cautious barrel choice course of, the place grasp distillers consider every barrel’s contribution to the general taste profile earlier than mixing. Moreover, the whiskey’s comparatively excessive proof and non-chill filtration contribute to its sturdy texture and lingering end, enhancing the sipping expertise. Understanding this facilitates knowledgeable consumption and permits fans to understand the intricate particulars of the spirit. The enjoyment of this spirit, as a sipping whiskey, is enriched when making an allowance for these completely different steps and its completely different properties.
In conclusion, Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey’s suitability as a sipping whiskey is a direct consequence of intentional manufacturing selections geared toward creating a fancy and pleasurable spirit. From the number of apple varieties to the ageing course of and distillation methods, every step contributes to its distinctive character. This designation not solely informs advertising methods but additionally guides client expectations and appreciation, solidifying its place throughout the broader class of premium sipping spirits. The important thing problem lies in sustaining consistency and high quality throughout batches to uphold the repute as a dependable sipping expertise.
Incessantly Requested Questions
The next questions tackle frequent inquiries relating to Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey, its manufacturing, and its traits. The solutions are supposed to offer clear and concise info for customers and fans.
Query 1: What apple varieties are utilized in Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey?
The precise apple varieties utilized are proprietary info; nonetheless, the distillery selects a mix of apples chosen for his or her distinctive sugar content material, acidity, and fragrant compounds. This mix contributes to the spirit’s distinct taste profile.
Query 2: Is Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey gluten-free?
Whereas the whiskey is produced with out gluten-containing grains, cross-contamination throughout manufacturing is a risk. People with extreme gluten sensitivities ought to train warning.
Query 3: What’s the very best serving temperature for Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey?
Serving temperature is determined by particular person desire. Nevertheless, serving it neat at room temperature, or barely chilled, permits for full appreciation of its aroma and taste complexity.
Query 4: How does oak ageing affect the flavour of Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey?
Oak ageing imparts notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice to the whiskey. It additionally contributes to the spirit’s shade and texture, softening harsh edges and making a smoother mouthfeel.
Query 5: Can Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey be used instead of different whiskeys in cocktails?
Sure, Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey can substitute for conventional whiskeys in lots of cocktails, including a definite apple observe to the flavour profile. Experimentation is inspired.
Query 6: How lengthy is Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey aged?
The precise ageing interval shouldn’t be publicly disclosed. Nevertheless, the whiskey undergoes a maturation course of ample to develop its attribute shade, aroma, and taste. The ageing timeline is a key think about refining the preliminary distillate.
These questions and solutions present a basic understanding of Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey. Its manufacturing, substances, and really helpful purposes contribute to its distinctive traits.
The following part will discover the spirit’s place throughout the broader market and examine it to different fruit-based whiskeys.
Maximizing the Expertise
This part gives steerage on greatest admire and make the most of this distinct spirit, from serving solutions to cocktail purposes. The suggestions goal to boost the consumer’s understanding and delight.
Tip 1: Discover Neat Consumption: Recognize the spirit’s complexities by tasting it neat at room temperature. This permits for full analysis of the apple varietals, fermentation byproducts, and oak affect.
Tip 2: Cautious Chilling: If most well-liked chilled, use a big ice dice or sphere. This minimizes dilution, preserving the concentrated taste because it cools.
Tip 3: Traditional Cocktail Adaptation: Experiment with substituting it for conventional spirits in basic cocktails. An Apple Whiskey Previous Original or Manhattan affords a novel twist on acquainted recipes.
Tip 4: Revolutionary Cocktail Elements: Incorporate complementary substances. Pair the whiskey with cider, ginger, maple syrup, or fragrant bitters to create balanced and intriguing cocktails.
Tip 5: Think about Culinary Pairings: Discover its use in culinary purposes. Use the whiskey in sauces, marinades, or desserts, significantly these involving pork, poultry, or apples.
Tip 6: Correct Glassware: Use acceptable glassware for the chosen consumption technique. A Glencairn glass enhances the neat tasting expertise, whereas a rocks glass is appropriate for cocktails.
Tip 7: Conscious Appreciation: Savor every sip to totally acknowledge the aromas and nuances. Take note of the spirit’s evolution on the palate, from the preliminary fruit notes to the lingering end.
By adhering to those suggestions, each novices and skilled customers can elevate their appreciation. Whether or not consumed neat, in cocktails, or in culinary purposes, these methods permit for a full and assorted expertise.
The next phase gives an outline of comparable merchandise and explores its standing within the sector. This information contextualizes what differentiates it from different choices.
Conclusion
This exploration has detailed the varied aspects of Leopold Brothers Apple Whiskey, from its core manufacturing parts to its various purposes. It has examined the importance of apple varietals, small-batch distillation, oak barrel ageing, and the ensuing taste complexities. The spirit’s versatility as a sipping whiskey and a cocktail ingredient was emphasised, alongside its connection to the Colorado distillery and its manufacturing practices.
The intention has been to offer a complete understanding of this particular spirit, encouraging additional investigation and knowledgeable appreciation. Because the panorama of craft spirits continues to evolve, ongoing statement of manufacturing strategies and taste profiles will likely be important to its ongoing success and integration into {the marketplace}.
