Whyte & Mackay’s master whisky maker, Gree Glass, is implementing a new Scottish Oak Program that seeks to use native wood in spirits maturation. "The Scottish Oak Programme seeks to inspire change within the Scotch whisky industry," Glass said. "We want to champion the potential home-grown oak offers the spirits industry, and the incredible diversity of flavor it offers the whisky maker. Through experimental whisky maturation and analytical trials, we can assess how the different variables... can impact the flavor of the resulting whisky and there is a myriad of exciting flavor profiles to explore."
The Scottish Oak Program will work with local estates, sawmills, and coopers to supply native woods for the program. The brand plans to introduce its first expression part-finished in Scottish oak, "a 10-year-old Highland malt called King of Trees."
Native Wood Scotch Maturation
Whyte & Mackay is Implements New Scottish Oak Program
Trend Themes
1. Scottish Oak Program - The Scottish Oak Program seeks to utilize native wood in spirits maturation, providing an opportunity for innovative whisky-making techniques and new flavor profiles.
2. Local Supply Chain - Partnering with local estates, sawmills, and coopers for a native wood supply will create a more sustainable and efficient supply chain, while also supporting local Scottish businesses.
3. Experimental Maturation - Using analytical trials to explore the different variables and their impact on flavor in experimental whisky maturation opens up opportunities for innovative processes and unique flavor profiles.
Industry Implications
1. Whisky-making - The Scottish Oak Program will disrupt conventional whisky-making techniques by utilizing native oak wood and experimenting with new maturation processes.
2. Sustainable Forestry - Partnering with local estates and sawmills for a native wood supply will support sustainable forestry practices in Scotland and create a more environmentally-friendly industry.
3. Local Scottish Businesses - The Scottish Oak Program's commitment to using native Scottish oak and partnering with local suppliers will support and promote local Scottish businesses, fostering economic growth in the region.