Single Estate Whiskey & Terroir
What is Terroir?
Terroir has long been recognised as an essential element in the wine industry. It is the idea that the local ecosystem in which a crop is grown greatly influences the final quality and flavour profile. The exponential growth in popularity of single estate whiskey has lead to much curiosity regarding the concept of terroir in relation to whiskey.
Terroir and single estate whiskey
The concept of whiskey terroir has been a subject of great debate for several years, with some believing that it is impossible for the local forces of Mother Nature not to impact the flavour of the grain, and thus the final whiskey, and others brushing it off as nothing more than the latest marketing “spin”. However, Waterford Whisky, a prominent single estate distillery in Ireland, has undertaken a fascinating project - The Whiskey Terroir Project.
Ireland leads the way
With thanks to this project, a new peer-reviewed study has been released, in collaboration with the University of Oregon, Teagasc Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Minch Malt, and the Irish department of Agriculture, as well as a prominent Scottish whiskey laboratory. Results of this first paper have shown that, when controlled for weather conditions, the differences in soil type of different estates do indeed lead to a distinct variation in flavour, based both on sensory analysis, and gas chromatography of the compounds responsible for certain flavour profiles.
the future of single estate irish whiskey
At Provenance Spirits Group, we strongly believe that Single Estate Whiskey, and particularly those distilled from sustainably-farmed grain, will continue to astound with its growth as a consumer and market trend in the years to come. The concept of terroir has been given great credence in the wine industry for many years, and is rapidly gaining similar importance in the whiskey industry. This growth is driven by increasing knowledge and research, as well as consumer trends favouring traceability of consumables and a desire to support smaller farmers who use sustainable practices.
Interested in finding out more about single estate, or ecologically grown & distilled Irish Whiskey? Contact Provenance Spirits Group today.
