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Certification authenticates estate-made whiskey
The University of Kentucky’s Estate Whiskey Alliance (EWA) has launched a first-of-its-kind programme that authenticates estate whiskeys with a globally recognised certification mark.
To set a standard for estate distilling and protect the use of related product claims in whiskey, the Estate Distilling Certification programme will increase transparency and authenticity within the spirits industry.
The programme, which is said to be considered a ‘major development’ for the whiskey sector, allows qualifying whiskey products that meet specific sourcing and production requirements to display the ‘Estate Whiskey Certified’ logo on their bottles, ensuring consumers can trust the integrity and authenticity of the product.
Estate whiskey refers to a type of whiskey that is produced entirely on the distillery estate using grains sourced from the estate, or local to that site.
Estate whiskey-certified products will have each of the following characteristics: all production processes including milling, cooking, fermentation, distillation, barrelling, ageing and bottling will occur on the estate distillery, and at least two-thirds of all mash bill grains will be grown on estate-owned or controlled land.
Only the specific whiskey products evidencing sourcing and production requirements can display the Estate Whiskey Certified logo on their qualifying bottles.
Landon Borders, EWA director, said: “The EWA and our members place utmost priority in authenticity and transparency into the entire farming and whiskey production process. This certification programme aims to clearly label those Estate Whiskey Certified products to assure consumers of the exceptional craftsmanship and terroir behind every sip.”
Colby Frey, whiskey farmer and co-founder of Frey Ranch Distillery, explained: “As farmers and distillers, one of our primary objectives is to bring this topic front and centre. By joining the Estate Whiskey Alliance, we hope to further educate bartenders, retailers and consumers on the importance and relevance of US agriculture and locally-grown grains to the production of American whiskey.”
Blake Layfield, master distiller at Maker’s Mark, noted: “The Estate Whiskey Alliance celebrates three values: transparency, sustainability and flavour of place. This certification provides consumers with assurance of transparency and traceability, demonstrating the provenance of their spirit.
“It also underscores a dedication to sustainability, emphasising the use of locally sourced ingredients. And it celebrates the unique flavour profile derived from both the distillery and the surrounding land. At Maker’s Mark, we have long recognised the inextricable link between flavour and nature. We are therefore honoured to be a founding member of the EWA, working to forge a more sustainable future and enhance the prestige of American whiskey.”
Pat Brophy, vice-president of sales and distribution at Whiskey Acres Distilling Co, said the certification “legitimises” the messaging and creates a standard across the industry. “An industry-wide standard that can be promoted becomes the thing customers recognise and accept as a mark of quality.”
Joe O’Sullivan, master distiller at Minden Mill Distilling, added: “As early adopters of estate distilling, we recognise the immense value of collaborating with like-minded industry leaders to establish standards and promote the significance of estate distilling. A certification programme will help safeguard the use of ‘estate,’ ensuring that consumers receive the transparency and authenticity they expect.”
The certification programme is now available to any EWA distillery member, and applications are being accepted to certify qualifying products.
The first Estate Whiskey Certified products are expected on shelves in the coming months.
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