Can you really taste different barley varieties in New Make Spirit?

Back in 2024 we sent some New Make samples of to the Open University for some analysis, we were given the opportunity to send 2 samples in and we thought this would be a great opportunity to prove the point that barley variety can have a big impact on the end flavour of the New Make Spirit - something that we had clearly seen when tasting New Make made with Maris Otter and Plumage Archer.

Below is the results that we received back, and the evidence is pretty clear, what we have seen in tastings is clearly shown in the analysis data and has clear implications for anyone looking to make a old (pre 1930's) style whisky.

Thank you to the EWG for organising and for Dr Geraint Morgan and his team.

And similar Brewery Yeast New Make analysis will be on the way soon.