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Yeast, our other M

The British governments definition of Scotch whisky is laid out in the ‘Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009’. These regulations state;

In these Regulations “Scotch Whisky” means a whisky produced in Scotland—

that has been distilled at a distillery in Scotland from water and malted barley (to which only whole grains of other cereals may be added) all of which have been—

fermented at that distillery only by the addition of yeast;

Brewers historically fermented their beer in such a way that they could harvest live excess yeast from their beer and to a certain extent, so did some grain distillers. This excess yeast was then used by malt distillers to ferment their wort. This supply, although plentiful, had its risks mostly through bacterial contamination exacerbated by long supply lines and variable strain types. This gave rise to variable performance in the distillery. In the 1960’s, the era of efficiency, consistency and bad architecture, this problem was resolved with the development of specialist yeast factories. These factories selected specific yeast strains that were very efficient in fermenting to produce alcohol from cereal. They were also able maintain the strain purity leading to consistency. This approach was mirrored by the development of different barley varieties. Efficiency and flavour are not always good bed fellows.

At InchDairnie we work with our 3M’s, the first being our Materials and yeast is one of our materials. We use many different strains of yeast throughout the year and we use both cream yeast and dry yeast. Our dry yeasts are carefully rehydrated before being added to our wort.

We use these different yeast strains to help develop different flavour profiles in our new make spirit.

Each of our seasonal InchDairnie single malt campaigns use different yeast strains in order to develop the flavour profile that matches the season that it is being distilled in. Also, we use a specific yeast strain for our grain whisky RyeLaw and our peated malt KinGlassie. Each strain works differently producing a different ester profile in the wash. These yeasts have been selected primarily for their flavour producing qualities and not their spirit yield qualities. This means that we sacrifice efficiency for flavour.

Only by creating the flavour profile in our fermentation vessels, which are located outside on the north elevation of the distillery building to keep them cool, can the flavours be captured in the stills.

Much work still needs to be done with yeasts and fermentation conditions to understand the flavour properties this will give the new spirit. So more on this matter in the years to come

Ian Palmer

InchDairnie Distillery Managing Director

InchDairnie Distillery Commences ‘Pot Still’ Whisky Production and Breaks New Ground for Scotch Whisky Industry
29.08.23 All

InchDairnie Distillery Commences ‘Pot Still’ Whisky Production and Breaks New Ground for Scotch Whisky Industry

RyeLaw is Officially Launched in Germany
28.07.23 RyeLaw

RyeLaw is Officially Launched in Germany

“A very special, extremely successful, innovative whiskey.” Joachim Teschke

The month of July saw our Managing Director, Ian Palmer, spend two fantastic days in Hamburg and Berlin, officially launching RyeLaw in Germany.

InchDairnie attends Le Blanq’s Loch Lomond Preview at Fortnum and Mason
20.06.23 All

InchDairnie attends Le Blanq’s Loch Lomond Preview at Fortnum and Mason

As part of our collaboration with LeBlanq – creators of the ultimate joyriding experience in some of the world’s most beautiful cycling and culinary destinations – RyeLaw from InchDairnie Distillery will be spotlighted at their Loch Lomond event.

RyeLaw rides along to Rioja with LeBlanq
02.06.23 RyeLaw

RyeLaw rides along to Rioja with LeBlanq

Earlier this year, we announced our partnership with luxury cycling tour specialist, LeBlanq as their official Global Whisky Partner for 2023/24.

Fife Distillery has gone to the dark side
21.04.23 Whisky Production

Fife Distillery has gone to the dark side

InchDairnie Distillery has gone to the dark side. Just for a short period.

Something’s Brewing in Distilling
15.11.22 Distillery

Something’s Brewing in Distilling

Every year InchDairnie Distillery clears the calendar for up to two weeks to distil something out of the ordinary.

All Fired Up On Cask Research For RyeLaw
18.05.22 Whisky Production

All Fired Up On Cask Research For RyeLaw

When we began to look at producing RyeLaw in 2016 we studied the definition of Rye Whiskey in America.

Using Heat Pumps at InchDairnie
19.04.22 Distillery

Using Heat Pumps at InchDairnie

Here at InchDairnie we are always looking for different ways to reduce our carbon footprint.

Sweden’s Whisky & Bourbon Magazine No.53
04.01.22 Events

Sweden’s Whisky & Bourbon Magazine No.53

Writer and journalist Daniel Bruce paid a visit to InchDairnie, as part of his visit to distilleries across Fife.

Brewer and Distiller International: Sustainable Distilling
21.12.21 Events

Brewer and Distiller International: Sustainable Distilling

In the December issue of Brewer and Distiller International, published by the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.

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