Waterford Distillery Rolls Out Cuvée Luna
Biodynamic: Cuvée Luna is the distillery’s new flagship whisky. Waterford Distillery is certified by Demeter and the Organic Trust. The whisky is made from 100% Irish barley grown using regenerative biodynamic farming techniques.
As the first certified biodynamic whisky in the world, Cuvée Luna builds upon the distillery’s regenerative farming program. The growth of chemical applications after World War 1 led to the creation of biodynamic farming.
Using this method, animals, crops, and soil are treated holistically in one system, similar to other organic methods. The concept incorporates environmental protection procedures.
Waterford Distillery Launches a New Bottling Made From Regenerative Barley
For its first bottling, Waterford partnered with three Irish biodynamic farmers – Trevor Harris, John McDonnell, and Alan Mooney. As part of its Arcadian Farm Origin series, Waterford Distillery released the world’s first biodynamic whisky in 2021. It has since expanded its intake to six biodynamic growers.
“Controversial to some, and the ultimate in regenerative farming to others, many of the world’s greatest winemakers and award-winning wines follow biodynamic methods to produce the most expressive and vibrant natural flavors possible,” said Mark Reynier, chief executive and founder of Waterford Distillery.
Nose: Green apple, hay, malted biscuits, white pepper, peaches, barnyard, cherry tomatoes, dry soil, light herbal tea, breadcrust, birch
Taste: Pepper spice, dry, breakfast cereals, chewable, lemon curd, pesto, green peppers, porridge with cream, malted biscuits, herbal tea, grapefruit
Finish: Creamy, gentle spices with dryness that turns herbal and lingers into an Irish goodbye
“Whisky has become an industrially manufactured product, propped up with additives and finishes. Barley is one of the most flavoursome cereal grains and over time, this inherent flavour has been compromised as distilleries prioritise yield.
“So, we go back to the beginning – not just whisky how it used to be, but how farming used to be, and that means taking every grain of biodynamic barley we can get our hands on.”
The Cuvée Luna is a blend of multiple biodynamic harvests aging in a blend of 37% First-fill US Oak, 17% Virgin US Oak, 25% Premium French Oak, and 21% Vin Doux Naturel casks.
