With a rich history of smoky single malts surrounding the Scottish isle of Islay, Bruichladdich Distillery is giving whisky enthusiasts something completely different … rye.
“Regeneration Project” is a recently launched single-grain Scotch whisky that marks the third release in Bruichladdich’s Project series, made primarily from locally-grown Islay rye … a first for the distillery, as well as the Hebridean island, and is the first whisky to be classed as an Islay Single Grain Scotch Whisky.
A statement from the whisky maker notes that Regeneration Project is matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon barrels and first-fill American virgin oak casks, and was made using a mash bill of 55% Islay grown rye and 45% locally grown Islay malted barley.
The prepared statement from the distiller said that it was back in 2016 when Bruichladdich’s Production Director, Allan Logan, and long-standing farming partner, Andrew Jones, had a conversation on how crop rotation could be beneficial for Jones’ land at Coull Farm.
To combat the growing cost of agro-chemicals, avoid monoculture, reduce input and diversify his crops, Jones decided to add rye to his rotation.
The distiller explained that rye has the ability to hold back excess soil nitrate. And, its fibrous root system increases soil drainage, helping to conserve moisture. Not only does this improve soil health, but it reduces costs for the farmer by being less reliant on artificial pesticides and fertilizers.
With no market, rye has never been commercially grown in Islay before. But to support its farming partner, Bruichladdich agreed to purchase Jones’ entire crop if he was going to trial the alternative grain, and they were to turn it into whisky.
Bruichladdich officials expressed their hopes that the latest release will push the conversation further on the subject of regenerative agriculture and finding alternative solutions to modern farming practices.
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“As a whisky distillery we are accountable for our impact from the ground up, and that starts with understanding where our essential raw ingredients come from, and how they are grown,” said Douglas Taylor, CEO at Bruichladdich.
“We learned that rye is a hugely beneficial rotational crop which not only reduces the need for artificial input but improves soil health and structure … which matters. But with no market for Scottish grown rye, it begs the question ‘why would a farmer grow it?’” Taylor asked. “Well, we could buy it … and create a delicious whisky. All while supporting our vital farming partners, helping the environment and promoting soil health. Pursuing flavor while reducing our impact, The Regeneration Project is the start of something much bigger than whisky.”
Bruichladdich – The Regeneration Project will see a total of 1,800 bottles, and is now available for a suggested retail price of £125.
For more information, check out www.bruichladdich.com.
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