Estate Whiskey Alliance

Whisky may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of university #innovation, but for the University of Kentucky and its #commercialization unit UK Innovate at the University of Kentucky it is an obvious next step in its #techtransfer activities. After all, Kentucky is renowned for its #bourbon around the world and the university already has the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits. I asked Landon Borders and Alexa Narel, MBA to tell me more about the Estate Whiskey Alliance, how it will help guide research into areas like #regenerativefarming and how consumers will benefit from a certification program identifying #whisky produced to strict standards. Pour yourself a glass of your favourite liquour and listen to one of the most fascinating stories that's ever come out of a tech transfer office: https://lnkd.in/eQv2PZPu

?? We're excited to announce that ZAK Cooperage is now the first cooperage partner of the Estate Whiskey Alliance! ?? @estatewhiskeyallianance Our commitment to local sourcing, sustainability, and capturing the essence of Kentucky's terroir aligns perfectly with the mission of the EWA. By sourcing all of our white oak from within 150 miles of our cooperage, we honor both the land and the communities that support us. This partnership allows us to further connect with other industry leaders, share knowledge, and create exceptional barrels that enhance the unique qualities of the spirits they hold. We look forward to collaborating with our new EWA partners to build a more sustainable future in whiskey making, one barrel at a time. ?? Let’s raise a glass to tradition, innovation, and the power of local sourcing! ?? #EstateWhiskeyAlliance #LocalSourcing #KentuckyTerroir #Sustainability #Cooperage #ZAKCooperage

The spirit of collaboration:?Estate Whiskey Alliance Visits Black Fox ? Earlier this week, Black Fox welcomed team members of the Estate Whisky Alliance to the farm?taking them through our process, from crop to connoisseur, showcasing how sustainability and craftsmanship blend seamlessly here at Black Fox. ? One of the goals of the EWA is to certify distilleries around the world who are showcasing the terroir of their whisky by growing their own grains and undertaking the entire process of distilling to ensure the authenticity of the products for the customer.? ? It was a great opportunity to exchange ideas about the intricacies of value-added agriculture and its significance not only in the quality of the whisky, but as a way to include sustainability and authenticity for the consumer.? ? If you know of other distilleries that are creating estate whiskies, please let them know about the Estate Whisky Alliance and have them reach out either to EWA ([email protected])?or one of the members to get more information. #Whisky #agriculture #EWA #Sustainability #EstateWhiskey #EstateProduced

Estate Whisky Alliance forms to support homegrown whiskies ? For years, the wine industry has embraced estate designations, but whisky world has been missing out on an equivalent... until now! ? Black Fox is thrilled to share that we are among the founding members of the?Estate Whiskey Alliance, a global initiative dedicated to supporting and certifying whiskies made from grains grown and distilled on the same land. ? Curious to learn more? Check out what Forbes had to say about this exciting development! https://lnkd.in/g3fkVsjS Photos by Sabrina Hounshell, UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. #Whisky #EstateWhisky #EWA #Sustainability

Less than two weeks until the abstract submission window closes! Don't miss out on presenting at our March 17-19 James B. Beam Institute Industry Conference! https://lnkd.in/eNEsdtsP Kentucky Distillers' Association University of Kentucky Seth DeBolt Kevin Baldridge Brad Berron Harmonie Bettenhausen, Ph.D. Czarena Crofcheck Glenna Joyce-Welsko Ilka Balk

Hillrock is proud to be among the seven founding members — and the only in the USA outside Kentucky — of the Estate Whiskey Alliance (EWA), a global initiative by the University of Kentucky aiming to promote the benefits of local sourcing and sustainable production in the whiskey industry. Aside from bolstering agricultural education and research, EWA will launch a first-ever licensing program to authenticate estate whiskeys with a recognizable consumer mark, an Estate Whiskey Certified? label scheduled to debut in 2025. EWA began in 2023 with the support of Seth DeBolt, director of the UK James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits. The group welcomes members of all kinds, including whiskey producers, farmers, suppliers, academic institutions, and related organizations. The Estate Whiskey Certified? label will be reserved exclusively for EWA members; compliant whiskeys must contain at least 66% estate grain. “I believe that the Alliance will play a critical role in advancing this important movement in the whiskey industry,” remarked Jeffrey Baker, who co-founded and owns Hillrock. “Consumers understand and appreciate the meaning of estate production in wine and are seeking the same level of transparency in fine spirits."

It's harvest time, so it's a great time for distilleries to form the Estate Whiskey Alliance! My latest for Forbes.com talks about this cool initiative of University of Kentucky, Black Fox Farm and Distillery, HeavenHill Distilleries,Inc., Hillrock Estate Distillery, Maker's Mark Distillery, Peterson Farms KY, Thousand Acres Distilling and Western Kentucky Distilling Co. https://lnkd.in/geBaH_Rz