The pilot, which is called ‘Project WhiskHy’ by the brand owner, has been running at the Yamazaki production facility in Japan. Through a partnership with technology provider Supercritical Solutions, Beam Suntory has been using hydrogen for direct-fired distillation at the site, thanks in part to funding from the UK Government’s ‘Net Zero Innovation Portfolio’ that has been available since 2021.
Some of the spirit that has been produced in the trial is heading to the company’s GlenGarioch distillery in Scotland “where it will be quality assessed as it matures”.
In subsequent tests of the spirit, parent Suntory said the liquid has “the same quality and taste as those produced by conventional natural gas”. Framing its findings as a “milestone moment”, Suntory intends to investigate whether the production method can be applied at a commercial scale at the Hakushu distillery, also in Japan.
“We have an ambition to achieve net zero emissions across our entire value chain by 2040, and it is through unique collaborative projects such as WhiskHy that we will get there,” said Beam Suntory’s head of distilling & environment, Alistair Longwell. “We are thrilled to have achieved this new milestone and look forward to continuing our progress with Supercritical as we pursue a more sustainable, resilient future for our industry.”
Speaking to Global Drinks Intel last year, Beam Suntory’s global VP for environmental sustainability, Kim Marotta, said: “It takes a long time to start a pilot, grow and enhance it, build momentum and collaboration and achieve results. Brands have to understand that it’s a journey and consumers need to understand you have to test small, you have to think differently, think innovatively and then hopefully build some momentum.
“If people understand that it’s a journey and it’s going to take some time, they’ll see the results and see where you’re going in the end.”
