Systems and methods for the preparation of ethanol-containing beverages using microorganisms

A system for preparing an ethanol-containing beverage comprising:

• a plurality of containers, wherein each of the containers defines an interior space and include a partition to divide the interior space of the container, wherein the partition comprises a screen, each container comprising at least one aperture wherein the at least one aperture comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of an inlet and an outlet;
• a conduit system connecting the plurality of containers in series, wherein the conduit system comprises piping segments extending between an outlet of one container and an inlet of an adjacent container in the series thereby fluidly connecting each adjacent container in the series, wherein at least one piping segment comprises at least one valve configured to prevent a liquid from flowing freely between the adjacent containers connected by the at least one piping segment;
• a wood material positioned on and supported by one side of the partition;
• and
• at least one heating mechanism positioned external to at least one container for heating the at least one container.