WhiskHy Project: A Milestone in Sustainable Distilling Innovation
Key Ideas
- Suntory Global Spirits' WhiskHy project reaches a milestone as hydrogen-distilled spirit from Yamazaki Distillery is laid down at Glen Garioch Distillery in Aberdeenshire.
- The project aims to monitor the spirit maturation process in both Japanese and Scottish conditions, with a focus on decarbonizing distilleries and advancing green solutions.
- Partnership with Supercritical Solutions highlights the innovative use of high-purity hydrogen technology, rewriting sustainability rules in whisky distilling.
- Renovation efforts at Glen Garioch showcase the commitment to sustainable practices, with a casking ceremony marking the entry of hydrogen-distilled spirit into casks.
Suntory Global Spirits has achieved a significant milestone with its WhiskHy project, which focuses on sustainability and innovation in the distillation process. The project involved producing spirit at Yamazaki Distillery's pilot distillery in Japan using 100% hydrogen to power direct-fired stills, showcasing the viability of hydrogen as a fuel source. The hydrogen-distilled spirit has been divided, with a portion maturing in Japan and the other sent to Glen Garioch Distillery in Aberdeenshire for further monitoring. Collaborating with Supercritical Solutions, SGS aims to commercialize hydrogen direct firing for its Scotch portfolio, with plans to expand trials to other distilleries. Glen Garioch underwent a £6-million renovation supported by SGS, reinstating traditional malting floors and installing a direct-fired still. The casking ceremony symbolized the culmination of efforts towards sustainable distilling practices. Alistair Longwell highlighted the company's commitment to decarbonization and ensuring high-quality spirits. Matt Bird emphasized the groundbreaking nature of the partnership, showcasing how traditional whisky-making can integrate cutting-edge hydrogen technology for a net-zero future. The project signifies a step towards SGS's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, blending innovation with sustainability in the spirits industry.