In a pioneering move for the Scotch whisky industry, Lowland distillery InchDairnie has broken new ground by adopting the traditional Irish method of pot still production for its latest whisky creation. Situated in Fife, InchDairnie has embarked on a pot still distillation journey with its experimental PrinLaws Collection, resulting in a unique Scottish pot still whisky that draws inspiration from the age-old pot still whiskey-making traditions of Ireland. Remarkably, this endeavor is believed to mark the first instance this century of a distiller crafting a Scotch whisky of this style.
Ian Palmer, the founder of InchDairnie, expressed his enthusiasm for this innovative venture, highlighting the rich history of this whisky style in Scotland, which has somewhat faded from prominence in recent times. He emphasized the intriguing flavor characteristics that emerge from working with various types of malted and unmalted grains. Palmer emphasized the bridging of traditions between Scotch and Irish whiskey to create a whisky that promises to delight drinkers for years to come.
The development of this distinctive whisky by the InchDairnie Distillery team involved a meticulous exploration of the Irish definition, a legally protected designation, in pursuit of intriguing new flavor profiles. The composition of grains for this expression includes 60% distillers' malt from Canada, 35% unmalted barley sourced from Balgonie Estate, and 5% malted rye, also from Balgonie. Notably, this pot still whisky deviates from the norm by undergoing double distillation instead of the more common triple distillation.
Following the distillation process, the resulting spirit has been carefully filled into first-fill Bourbon barrels, where it will undergo maturation within the distillery's warehouses. This maturation phase will play a crucial role in shaping the whisky's final character and flavor profile.
Scott Snedden, the distillery manager, shed light on the philosophy guiding this groundbreaking experiment, which encompasses the three 'Ms'—materials, method, and maturation. While remaining faithful to the Scottish tradition of double distillation and adhering to the restrictions on enzyme usage for sugar conversion (unlike Irish pot still whiskey production), the team at InchDairnie anticipates that this unique whisky will evolve into a complex, spicy, and oily spirit, distinct from what one might expect from traditional Irish pot still whiskey.
About InchDairnie Distillery: Pioneering the Future of Scotch Whisky
InchDairnie Distillery is not your typical whisky-maker; it is a passionate and daring group of individuals on a mission to redefine the boundaries of Scotch whisky. Nestled in the heart of Fife, the distillery stands as a testament to innovation and a commitment to crafting exceptional whiskies that excite the palates of enthusiasts around the world.
A Distillery with a Difference
The journey begins with a deep respect for malt whisky tradition while embracing a spirit of adventure and exploration. Different is not just a word for InchDairnie Distillery; it's in their DNA. They approach whisky-making with a forward-thinking mindset, actively seeking new realms of flavor and pushing the limits of what Scotch whisky can be.
Innovation at the Core
What sets InchDairnie Distillery apart is its unwavering commitment to innovation. The whisky-making process is built upon a foundation of groundbreaking techniques that allow them to harness the full potential of flavor. They utilize types of grain that other distilleries often find challenging to process, making them pioneers in the field.
The distillery was literally constructed around their innovative mash filter, installed even before the walls and roof took shape. This unique system not only extracts more flavor but also unlocks additional sugar content from a variety of grains. It's a testament to their dedication to engineering whiskies that stand out for their complexity and richness.
Exploring New Flavors
InchDairnie Distillery believes in exploring uncharted territories of taste. Through a combination of their advanced mash filter, a fermentation process influenced by the seasons, and stills designed to preserve and enhance complex flavors, they chart new corners of the flavor map that remain uncharted by others. This dedication to flavor exploration is at the heart of everything they do.
The Vision and Mission
Their vision is clear: they aim to excite the palates of whisky drinkers worldwide. They do this by embracing innovation in every aspect of their craft, pushing the boundaries of flavor to create whisky experiences that are truly extraordinary.
Their mission is to be leaders in redefining whisky flavor. Through bold experimentation and a deep respect for tradition, they aspire to craft unique spirits that captivate and delight. They are driven by a philosophy that places palate excitement at the forefront of their whisky-making journey.
InchDairnie Distillery is more than a place where whisky is made; it's a beacon of innovation, a hub of exploration, and a promise to whisky enthusiasts everywhere that the future of Scotch whisky holds remarkable surprises. Join them on this extraordinary journey as they continue to push the boundaries of flavor and craft whiskies that defy convention.
