The Bruichladdich Distillery, has today announced the launch of the first Islay rye whisky.
Bruichladdich – The Regeneration Project (50% ABV) is a single
grain Scotch whisky, which was matured in a combination of first-fill Bourbon barrels
and first-fill American Virgin oak casks. It was produced using a mashbill of 55%
Islay grown rye and 45% locally grown Islay malted barley.
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| Bruichladdich - The Regeneration Project |
This third release in Bruichladdich’s Project series, which is made primarily from locally grown Islay rye - a first for the distillery, and the Hebridean island, is the first whisky to be classed as an Islay Single Grain Scotch Whisky.
Back in 2016, Bruichladdich’s Production Director, Allan
Logan, and long-standing farming partner, Andrew Jones, had a conversation on
how crop rotation could be beneficial for Andrew’s land at Coull Farm. Keen to
combat the growing cost of agro-chemicals, avoid monoculture, reduce input and
diversify his crops, Andrew decided to add rye to his rotation.
Rye has the ability to sequester 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 fertilisers.
With no market, rye has never been commercially grown in
Islay before. But keen to support its farming partner, Bruichladdich agreed to
purchase Andrew’s entire crop if he was going to trial the alternative grain and
turn it into whisky.
Although rye is more common in American whiskey production,
making up approximately 5% of the value of total US whiskey, consumers around
the world are continuing to explore the flavours of a more diverse set of
grains. Currently, there has been little experimentation in Scottish Rye, with
only a small number of distilleries releasing a rye whisky.
Bruichladdich hopes that the latest release will push the
conversation further on the subject of regenerative agriculture and finding
alternative solutions to modern farming practices.
Commenting on the launch, Douglas Taylor, CEO at
Bruichladdich Distillery, said: “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. 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? 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 flavour while reducing our impact, The
Regeneration Project is the start of something much bigger than whisky.”
Limited to 1,800 bottles, Bruichladdich – The Regeneration
Project, is now available from the distillery website, for a RRP of £125.00.
Posted by Steve Rush