Gilpin Family Whisky made from diabetics’ urine

James Gilpin is a designer and researcher who works on the implementation of new biomedical technologies. He’s also got type 1 diabetes, where his body doesn’t produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.

So he’s started a project called Gilpin Family Whisky, which turns the sugar-rich urine of elderly diabetics into a high-end single malt whisky, suitable for export.

The source material is acquired from elderly volunteers, including Gilpin’s own grandmother, Patricia. The urine is purified in the same way as mains water is purified, with the sugar molecules removed and added to the mash stock to accelerate the whisky’s fermentation process. Traditionally, that sugar would be made from the starches in the mash.

Once fermented into a clear alcohol spirit, whisky blends are added to give colour, taste and viscosity, and the product (more…)

Trivia, News Items | Comments Off

As most whisky aficionados know at least two per cent of each cask evaporates through the oak after the distilling process. This is known as ‘the angels share’.

If you envisage the financial amount this equates to across thousands of barrels and over the years you can see why drink producers would look at limiting the process. Giants Diageo- who produce such brands as Lagavuliin and Talisker - have conducted experiments using plastic wrap to cover each barrel. This simple process could stop the evaporation.

The cling film test have “astounded” scientists at the distilleries. Crucially it is not thought to affect the taste of the whisky but research continues but there are critics:

“That lost Angel’s Share allows a particular atmosphere to develop in the warehouse and facilitates a molecular exchange between the air and the spirit. Without this subtle and magical interaction it is doubtful if the whisky would be able to attain its true flavoursome potential.”

^{Article by Andrew Barrow - The Spirit World}

Trivia, Quickies | Comments Off

A half-sized bottle of Scotch whisky that’s about 150 years old sold for 14,750 pounds (USD$28,820) at auction in London, beating the top presale estimate by almost 50 percent.

The Glenavon Special Liqueur Whisky, bottled on Speyside, in northeast Scotland, some time between 1851 and 1858, was bought by an unidentified buyer at the auction yesterday. The bottle contains 14 fluid ounces and the whisky may be the world’s oldest, according to Bonhams, the auctioneers.

“There is an increasing interest in whiskies that are a bit different,” Richard Harvey, head of European wine sales at Bonhams, said in an interview. “I think it’s a record for that size.” Bonhams had estimated a sale price of as much as 10,000 pounds for the half-sized bottle. (more…)

Scotch Whisky, Trivia | Comments Off

‘Oldest’ bottle of whisky for sale

A bottle of scotch whisky believed to be the oldest in existence is to be auctioned later this month. The Glenavon Special Liqueur Whisky, believed to be almost 150 years old, is expected to fetch between £5,000 and £10,000 when it goes under the hammer at Bonhams on November 29.

The two-part moulded olive-green glass bottle, which is unusually small in size, contains about 14 fluid ounces of pale gold liquid and is believed to have been bottled by the Glenavon Distillery between 1851 and 1858.

^{See the Reuters Video Clip (8.8Mb) - Click Here}

Scotch Whisky, Trivia | Comments Off

Did you know that, in 1833, there were 12 licensed distilleries on Islay?

Of the current distilleries, Ardbeg, Bowmore, Lagavulin and Laphroig were in existence.

Port Ellen was producing and there was a second distillery at Lagavulin (this, I think, was Ardenistiel, which was trying to duplicate Laphroaig).

Additionally, there were 2 distilleries on the western shore of Loch Indaal (Port Charlotte & Octomore - both south of where Bruichladdich now stands), 3 on the road between Bowmore and Port Askaig (Daill, Newton and Lossit) and another distillery (Tallant) in the vicinity of Bowmore.

Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain and Caol Ila were yet to be built.

What a range of choices!!!

By the 1850s, there were also Scarabus, Mulindry, Killarow and Ardmore (no, not the Speyside one). Caol Ila had also begun production.

Thanks to Mark Reynier, CEO of Bruichladdich, for this information.

PS - this article will be refined as I receive more information. See the link to “The Lost Distilleries of Islay” for further information.

Scotch Whisky, Trivia | Comments Off