Gordon MP Heard of Exciting New Developments at Visit to Glen Garioch Distillery

GORDON MP HEARS OF EXCITING NEW DEVELOPMENTS AT VISIT TO GLEN GARIOCH DISTILLERY

Gordon MP Richard Thomson has visited Glen Garioch Distillery where he was given a tour of the distillery by assistant visitor centre manager, Catherine Housely.

Catherine explained the various stages of the distilling process and recounted the important part the distillery has played in the history of Oldmeldrum. The Glen Garioch distillery recently underwent a £6 million renovation project to reinstate traditional malting floors and a direct-fired still.

The Gordon MP was then given a briefing by Paul Robertson, the Senior Public Affairs Manager – UK on an exciting new development in distilling by Beam Suntory and Supercritical Solutions which are celebrating a world-first in their journey to Net Zero with the introduction of hydrogen distilling for whisky production.

The company has successfully completed a direct-fired distillation trial using 100% hydrogen for whisky production in a trial at the Yamazaki pilot distillery in Japan. The development is hailed as positive progress for the ‘WhiskHy’ project, funded by UK government’s Green Distilleries Competition. The successful trial is a world-first achievement, with the project having made considerable advancements towards zero emission distilling at an industrial scale. A part of the distilled spirit will be casked in Scotland at the Glen Garioch distillery, where it will be quality assessed as it matures.

Speaking afterwards, Richard Thomson MP said:

“It was fantastic to be able to make a return visit to Glen Garioch and to learn more about the impact that the investment made by parent company Suntory is having.

“The distillery has made a number of significant changes recently to its processes, which not only have a positive impact on the environment but will also allow the product of this unique distillery to continue to grow in reputation globally.

“Whisky is a very significant part of ‘Brand Scotland’ and makes an enormous contribution to the local and national economy, delivering £7.1bn in GVA to the economy; supporting 66,000 jobs throughout the UK, and accounts for 26% of all UK food and drink exports.

“We are very fortunate to have a distillery of such calibre and innovation in Aberdeenshire, and I look forward to seeing the Glen Garioch team go from strength to strength in future.”