The Future of Whisky: Waterford Distillery launches their most radical malt yet

Waterford Distillery, the world's largest producer of organic and biodynamic whiskies has launched its flagship biodynamic whisky: Biodynamic: Cuvée Luna

Certified by Demeter and the Organic Trust, Biodynamic: Cuvée Luna, which is now available to purchase worldwide, is made from 100% Irish barley grown using regenerative biodynamic farming methods, widely used by many of the world’s legendary winemakers.

The principles of biodynamic farming were first introduced 100 years ago in direct response to the growth of chemical applications after World War One. Today, such practices are more commonly recognised as “uber organic” and supercharged regenerative agriculture.

Working with three biodynamic Irish farmers Trevor Harris, John McDonnell and Alan Mooney (pictured), Waterford Distillery bottled the world’s first biodynamic whisky in 2021 as part of its Arcadian Farm Origin series, and has since increased its intake to six biodynamic growers in total.

This new radical cuvée is an assemblage of multiple biodynamic harvests for even greater complexity.

It was matured in a mixture of 37% First-fill US Oak, 17% Virgin US Oak, 25% Premium French Oak and 21% Vin Doux Naturel casks for harmony and balance.

Building on the distillery’s trademark artisanal bakery aromas, the whisky has flavours of green apple, hay, malted biscuits, peaches and breadcrust complimented with hints of lemon curd, breakfast cereals, herbal tea, porridge, cream and spice are said to give the whisky a long, creamy and gently-spiced finish.

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Mark Reynier, CEO and Founder of Waterford Distillery, said: “Whisky has become an industrially manufactured product, propped up with additives and finishes. Barley is one of the most flavoursome cereal grains and over time, this inherent flavour has been compromised as distilleries prioritise yield. So, we go back to the beginning – not just whisky how it used to be, but how farming used to be, and that means taking every grain of biodynamic barley we can get our hands on.”

Biodynamic Cuvée: Luna represents the apogee of Waterford Distillery’s investigation of regenerative single malt, making it the distillery’s most radical whisky to date.