18.05.22 Whisky Production
All Fired Up On Cask Research For RyeLaw
By Dr Jennifer Rifkin of Tatlock and Thomson and Ian Palmer of InchDairnie Distillery.
When we began to look at producing RyeLaw in 2016 we studied the definition of Rye Whiskey in America. This definition is very clear on the basic principles but many of the parameters gave us plenty room to develop our own unique take on this outstanding whiskey. One of the parameters however needed some study but this was not going to happen overnight.
Our RyeLaw is different in many respects from how rye whiskey is produced in both America and Canada. We use malted rye and malted barley, most of the American and Canadian distillers use un-malted rye and often other grains are added to the mash bill as well. We ferment with our own special yeast strain. We batch distill the wash in our wash pot still and our Lomond Hills spirit still while in American and Canada most of the whiskey is distilled in continuous stills of various designs.
One of the major differences which was difficult to understand was the maturation. The definition asks for new oak charred casks, which are rarely used here in Scotland. We mature our RyeLaw here in Scotland which has a different temperature and humidity profile to both America and Canada. With all these difference in the new spirit and the maturation conditions why should we mature the RyeLaw in the same casks?
As casks are toasted in Europe to different specifications, we needed to understand what char we should use, in order to gain a comparison.
In 2018 we took delivery of some casks charred from char one to char five, the normal is char three. In addition, we took delivery of some American Oak casks that had been toasted to three different specifications, light, medium and heavy. We filled all these casks from the same RyeLaw batch which had been reduced to the specified strength, 62.5%alc. Over the years since filling, we have monitored how each of the chars and toasts were maturing. This year, 2022, we carried out a detailed analysis of all these casks and the outcome of this detailed study can be found here.
InchDairnie Distillery debuts its Inaugural Signature Single Malt Scotch Whiskies
Fife-based Scotch whisky-maker InchDairnie Distillery is launching its first Single Malt Scotch Whisky releases. Further showcasing its reputation as a pioneer in flavour exploration in the whisky sector, KinGlassie Double Matured Aged 8 Years Fife Single Malt Scotch Whisky and KinGlassie Raw Aged 8 Years Fife Single Malt Scotch Whisky launch on 8th May 2025.
Announcing InchDairnie Whisky Ltd
We’re excited to announce that from 1st May 2025, InchDairnie Distillery Ltd and MacDuff International (Scotch Whisky) Ltd will officially merge to form InchDairnie Whisky Ltd.
KinGlassie: Peat Use and Restoration
We recognise that whisky relies on natural resources for its production, and that making a peated whisky uses a precious Scottish resource. We do not take this for granted. Extraction has an impact on the environment, so we are taking steps to balance what we use by supporting peatland restoration across Scotland.
A Partnership with Muntons Malt
In this ever-changing landscape of sustainability, we feel we are in safe hands. Much of our carbon footprint is in our cereals, so working directly with both Munton’s and our local Fife farmer at Balgonie Estate, we are working together to reduce this.
Our Longstanding Partnership with Muntons Malt
Our partnership with Muntons has been crucial to our success as a Fife grown, Fife distilled and Fife matured distillery. The relationship we have developed with Balgonie Estates as a result of this, is essential to the ongoing production of our RyeLaw whisky.
InchDairnie Doubles Capacity with Significant Distillery Expansion
As we approach our 10th anniversary next year, we are doubling our production capacity to 4 million litres per year — ushering in a new era of innovation to meet the rising demand for our bold, flavour-led whiskies.
InchDairnie features on BBC Landward
InchDairnie had the pleasure of hosting BBC landward at the distillery for a feature in the latest season of BBC Scotland’s Landward.
InchDairnie Leads LeBlanq’s Scotland Joyriding Weekend
September rolled around and it was soon time to take the lead for our main weekend with LeBlanq as their luxury whisky partner for the 2023/24 and this time we were in the heart of Perthshire at the beautiful Dunalistar Hotel Suites, on the banks of Loch Rannoch.
RyeLaw Awarded Highly Commended from IWSC
We are delighted to be awarded Highly Commended by the IWSC in the Design Award category.
Rob takes RyeLaw on a journey through the Norwegian Fjords, with LeBlanq
Last week, our Brand Ambassador Rob, joined LeBlanq for another unforgettable weekend in Norway.