new-make spirit. it's whisky, but not as you know it

New-make spirit must be one of the world’s most misunderstood spirit categories, but it’s the building blocks of the eventual whisky it produces, and your favourite dram just wouldn’t exist without it.

What is new-make spirit?

New-make spirit is freshly distilled liquid that has not yet gone into casks to be matured into whisky.

What does it look and taste like?

It’s a colourless liquid, normally with a bold, robust flavour. The flavour depends on many factors including:

· Barley type

· Yeast type

· Fermentation time

· Cooling method

· Copper contact

How is it produced?

After being produced, the distillate flows into the spirit safe with an alcohol content of about 75% ABV but is diluted to a strength of around 65.5% ABV before going into the cask.

Producing the first batch of new-make is a cause for celebration for a distillery, signalling a significant milestone in the production process. Stirling Distillery have recently begun the maturation process for their first batch of new-make spirit and are now on the road to producing their own single malt whisky.

Can you drink it?

Yes, many distilleries include a new-make tasting as part of their distillery tour or at tasting events. Some distilleries sell their new make spirit as a product, including The Borders Distillery, Lindores Abbey and Henstone Distillery.

Is it worth trying?

Yes, ‘die-hard’ whisky enthusiasts enjoy tasting new-make as it gives them a good impression of the character profile of the eventual whisky and an understanding of the nuances of flavour imparted from the oak casks.