Whisky, a beloved spirit enjoyed by people for centuries, faces a growing threat from climate change. The changes in temperature and rainfall patterns affect every aspect of whisky production, from grain quality to aging. Here are six ways that climate change is impacting the whisky industry.
Droughts and Heatwaves
Droughts and heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, which significantly impacts the quality of the grain used in whisky production. In Scotland, the traditional home of whisky, the 2018 summer heatwave caused a 30% decrease in barley yield, leading to a shortage of high-quality grain for distillers. This shortage led to a 50% increase in barley prices, making it more difficult for smaller distilleries to source the needed grain.
Water Shortages
Whisky production requires a significant amount of water, and as water scarcity becomes more common in many regions due to climate change, it could become a substantial challenge for distilleries. Some distilleries have already been forced to cut back on production due to water shortages. The Glenlivet distillery, for example, had to suspend production for a week in 2018 due to a water shortage caused by a drought in Scotland.
Changing Flavor Profiles
Climate change is also affecting the flavor profiles of whiskies. In warmer climates, barley matures more quickly, resulting in a lighter flavor profile with less complexity. Conversely, barley takes longer to mature in colder climates, resulting in a fuller flavor profile with more complexity. Whisk produced in traditionally colder regions will likely start to taste different as the climate continues to warm.
Extreme Weather Events
Extreme weather events such as floods and storms can also impact whisky production. In 2020, a major storm caused extensive damage to warehouses at the Barton 1792 distillery in Kentucky, losing around 9,000 barrels of whiskey. While such incidents are rare, they highlight the potential impact of extreme weather events on the industry.
Aging Process
The aging process is a critical component of whisky production, but it can be affected by climate change. Wh whisky ages more quickly in warmer temperatures, resulting in a different flavor profile than traditional whisky. This could make it more difficult for distillers to maintain product consistency.
Rising Costs
Finally, climate change is likely to lead to rising costs for distillers. As water scarcity and grain shortages become more common, the cost of producing whisky is expected to increase. This could lead to higher prices for consumers or force some distilleries to close their doors.
Key Points
Climate change is already significantly impacting the whisky industry, and these impacts will likely continue to be felt in the coming years. From changes in flavor profiles to water shortages and rising costs, there is a range of challenges that distillers will need to navigate to keep producing the high-quality whiskies that consumers love. As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, it’s clear that the whisky industry will need to adapt to survive.