Waterford Whisky and their Unique Approach to Flavor

EmbellishPod

I welcome Mark from Waterford Whisky, an Irish whiskey brand known for their focus on terroir, traceability, and sustainability. The conversation delves into the unique approach of Waterford Whisky, which emphasizes the importance of barley as the origin of whiskey's flavor. Mark explains that Waterford is located in the southern coast of Ireland, where the best barley in the world grows.

Mark also shares his background as a cereal brand creator and revivalist, having previously worked at Bruichladdich and revived the brand's focus on cereal and barley. He discusses his frustration at having to sell Bruichladdich before he was ready and how Waterford Whisky is his chance to do things properly with the right logistics and systems in place.

The conversation then turns to the concept of terroir and its significance in whiskey production. Mark clarifies the true definition of terroir, which refers to what happens to a plant, in this case barley, due to the microclimate, soil, and topography of its growing environment. He emphasizes that terroir is not about the distillery or the brewery, but about the flavors derived from the barley itself.

The host and Mark discuss the industrialization of the whiskey industry and the recent trend towards smaller, more attached-to-the-land offerings. They also touch on the complexity of terroir in whiskey compared to wine and the need for a new term to describe terroir in the whiskey context.

Mark then explains the unique practices and technologies employed by Waterford Whiskey, such as the hydro mill, incremental mash converter, and mash filter. These techniques allow for total terroir extraction, barley-forward flavors, and the preservation of barley aroma. Mark also highlights the importance of extended fermentation and the use of different types of wood in the aging process.

The conversation concludes with a discussion on Waterford's cuvée concept, inspired by the practices of winemakers in Champagne and Bordeaux. Mark explains that the cuvées bring together the terroir-defined flavors of the single farm origins to create a multi-layered and complex whiskey experience. He emphasizes that Waterford Whisky is meant to be savored and enjoyed over time, and encourages listeners to explore the different cuvées and single farm offerings.

Overall, this episode provides a deep dive into the philosophy and practices of Waterford Whiskey, highlighting their commitment to terroir, sustainability, and the pursuit of natural flavors in whiskey production.

🔗 Links:

https://waterfordwhisky.com/
https://www.instagram.com/waterforddistillery/
https://www.facebook.com/waterforddistillery/
https://www.youtube.com/@WaterfordWhisky

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