Only the specific whiskey products evidencing sourcing and production requirements can display the prestigious Estate Whiskey Certified™ logo on their qualifying bottles.
The University of Kentucky’s Estate Whiskey Alliance® (EWA) has announced the launch of a new certification program called Estate Whiskey Certified™. This initiative is designed to authenticate estate whiskeys and provide a globally recognized mark that can be displayed on qualifying whiskey product labels. Estate whiskey refers to whiskey produced entirely on a distillery estate, using grains sourced from the estate or from local land.
According to Landon Borders, the director of the EWA, the certification program aims to ensure transparency and authenticity in whiskey production. “The EWA and our members place utmost priority in authenticity and transparency into the entire farming and whiskey production process. This certification program aims to clearly label those Estate Whiskey Certified™ products to assure consumers of the exceptional craftsmanship and terroir behind every sip,” Borders said.
Estate Whiskey Certified™ products will have each of the following characteristics:
- All production processes including milling, cooking, fermentation, distillation, barreling, aging and bottling occur on the estate distillery.
- At least 2/3 of all mash bill grains are grown on estate-owned or controlled land.
Only whiskey products that meet these stringent sourcing and production requirements can display the prestigious Estate Whiskey Certified™ logo on their qualifying bottles.
The Estate Whiskey Certified™ program is now open for applications to EWA distillery members, and the first certified products are expected to appear on shelves in the coming months.
Blake Layfield, Ph.D., master distiller at Maker’s Mark, highlighted the program’s focus on sustainability and traceability: “This certification provides consumers with assurance of transparency and traceability, demonstrating the provenance of their spirit,” he said.
“As farmers and distillers, one of our primary objectives is to bring this topic front and center,” said Colby Frey, whiskey farmer and co-founder of Frey Ranch Distillery. “By joining the Estate Whiskey Alliance, we hope to further educate bartenders, retailers and consumers on the importance and relevance of U.S. agriculture and locally grown grains to the production of American whiskey.”
Members of the EWA are also committed to advancing research and education on agricultural sustainability and the future of estate whiskey production.
“It legitimizes our messaging as a standard across the industry,” said Pat Brophy, vice president of sales and distribution at Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. “An industry-wide standard that can be promoted becomes the thing customers recognize and accept as a mark of quality.”
“As early adopters of estate distilling, we recognize the immense value of collaborating with like-minded industry leaders to establish standards and promote the significance of estate distilling. A certification program will help safeguard the use of ‘estate,’ ensuring that consumers receive the transparency and authenticity they expect,” said Joe O’Sullivan, master distiller at Minden Mill Distilling.
To learn more about the Estate Whiskey Alliance, visit their website.
Photo Credit: Estate Whiskey Alliance
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