Surging Whiskey Sales Inspire Eco-Distillery

Demand for whiskey hits an all-time high

By Amelia Atlas, Newser User

Posted Dec 14, 2008 3:50 PM CST

(Newser) – Worldwide demand for whiskey has prompted Scotland to start building a new eco-friendly distillery, the Guardian reports. The huge, industrial-scale plant will emit only 15% of the usual CO2 and recycle all of its water; its leftover liquids will be used to generate heat. "The important point is that this technology could one day be used at distilleries around Scotland," the plant's designer said.

The global whiskey market reached an all-time high in 2007, boosted by the floundering pound and sales in emerging nations. "Consumers round the world may be saying no to a new house and no to a new car, but they are continuing to say yes to bottles of whiskey," a spokesman said. Scottish distillers have struggled to keep up, ergo the new distillery—the nation's first in 30 years.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

An assortment of bottled whiskey is displayed at Glenkinchie distillery in Edinburgh, Scotland. The new distillery at Roseisle will be the first to take environmentally friendly measures. (Getty Images)

Whiskey is machine fed into bottles at Sheildhall bottling plant in Glasgow March 18, 2008 in Scotland. Rising global demand for whiskey has fueled need for a new distillery. (Getty Images)

Andrew Kirk, a malt advocate, pours a glass of whiskey at Glenkinchie distillery March 13, 2008 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Getty Images)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

The important point is that this technology could one day be used at distilleries around Scotland. - Mike Jappy, distillery designer

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Kentucky Bourbon No Backwoods Booze

Sophisticated stuff sees popularity spike

(NEWSER) - Bourbon is sweet, but that’s no reason to call it unsophisticated, as one lover of the stuff learned on a trip to Kentucky. Making the whiskey is a process so complex and nuanced that master distillers are few—and the job often stays within families, writes spirits expert and food blogger Jason Wilson in the Washington Post. “We're not about bib overalls anymore. This is a city boy's drink,” says one. More»

Sun Rises on Japanese Whiskey

After claiming numerous awards, Nikka and Suntory plan global marketing push

(NEWSER) - Japanese whiskey is becoming a contender on the world stage, set to steal market share worldwide from the likes of Johnnie Walker and Chivas Regal, the Guardian reports. Japan’s Nikka and Suntory distilleries took the single-malt and blended whiskey awards, respectively, at last year’s world whiskey awards, and a slew of awards have followed, boosting export sales and attracting devotees even among the staunchest traditionalists. More»

Distillers Like Taste of Bourbon Boom

Weak dollar, rising exports help fuel spike in sales

(NEWSER) - Kentucky bourbon is popular in the likes of Russia and China as drinkers worldwide flock to the US drink, the AP reports. A weak dollar, rising exports, and a bourbon trend among young Americans are also fueling the boom. "Younger consumers are interested in drinks that were, you might say, their grandfathers' drinks," said Max Shapira, president of Heaven Hill Distilleries in Kentucky. More»

Scotch Makers Blend Subtler Spirits

Distillers hold tradition close, but explore unconventional tastes

(NEWSER) - The art of distilling whiskey is alive and well in Scotland, with makers sticking to the spirit’s roots while expanding its flavor ranges, AFP reports. Though earthy, smoky beverages remain at their core, the Dewar’s and Glenmorangie distilleries are developing whiskeys with mild flavors ranging to honey, waxed lemons, ginger, and even vanilla. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Surging Whiskey Sales Inspire Eco-Distillery