In the world of craft spirits, the choice of raw materials is crucial. But one ingredient stands out for distillers of whisky and gin: Laureate barley malt, grown on Dutch soil and malted in the Netherlands. Dutch Laureate barley is actually the ideal choice for producing high-quality spirits, thanks to its unique properties.
What makes Dutch Laureate barley so special?
Laureate barley, developed by breeders (specialists who create new high-quality grain varieties), has the following characteristics:
Non-GN status: Firstly, Laureate is a non-Glycosidic Nitrile (GN) variant, which is crucial for the safety and quality of the final product.
High extract content: This ensures an efficient fermentation process and a rich flavour base.
Low protein content: This is crucial for a clean distillation process and a pure end product.
Consistent quality: The uniformity of the grains guarantees a predictable distillation process.
Excellent enzymatic activity: This promotes the conversion of starch into fermentable sugars.
These properties make Laureate barley extremely suitable for the distillation process, resulting in a pure and tasty end product.
The importance of non-GN barley in distillation
One of the most distinguishing features of Laureate barley is its status as a non-GN variety. This is of great importance to the distilling industry for the following reasons:
- Safety: The primary precursor to ethyl carbamate (urethane) in new whisky is glycosidic nitrile (GN), which can be present in malted barley. Specifically, epiheterodendrin (EPH), a type of cyanogenic glycoside, is responsible for the formation of toxic hydrogen cyanide in the process leading to ethyl carbamate (EC).
- Health risks: EC is a known carcinogen, that can found in many fermented foods and beverages. As a result, various actions regulate its presence.
- Regulations: In Europe, standards require that newly released distiller’s barley varieties be of the non-GN type. In Canada, there is a legal limit of 150 ppb EC for whisky, while the US has a voluntary limit of 125 ppb.
Choose Laureate barley to meet strict safety standards and guarantee a high quality distilling product.
Why distillers should choose Dutch Laureate barley
- Traceability: Short chains make it easier to guarantee the origin and quality of the barley.
- Innovation: Collaboration between growers and distillers drives continuous improvement and innovation in the industry.
- Terroir: The Dutch soil and temperate climate give Laureate barley a unique character, which the taste of the end product reflects.
- International recognition: Dutch distillers cherish Laureate barley, and renowned distilleries in the United Kingdom and Scotland love it similarly, which testifies to its superior quality.
The role of The Swaen in Kloosterzande
No discussion of Dutch Laureate barley is complete without mentioning The Swaen. Our malthouse in Kloosterzande plays a crucial role in transforming the high-quality barley into perfect malt for distillation indeed.
The Swaen’s expertise in the malting process ensures that:
- The enzymatic activity of the barley is optimally utilized.
- The malt develops the right colour and flavour profile for different spirit styles.
- Consistency and quality are guaranteed, crucial for distillers.
Conclusion
Using locally grown Laureate barley, that The Swaen malted, offers a unique opportunity to create truly distinctive products. The combination of low protein, high extract and crucial non-GN status especially makes Laureate a superior and safe choice for distillation. If you choose this high-quality, raw material, you not only support Dutch agriculture and the economy, but you can also create top-quality spirits that can compete with top international brands. That is why, in a market where safety, authenticity, quality and sustainability are increasingly important, Dutch Laureate barley is a smart choice for any ambitious distiller.
More information and contact
Do you want to use Dutch Laureate barley in your distillery? We are here to help, of course!
- Contact our sales team: Our experts are ready to answer all your questions. They can provide you with detailed information about our Laureate barley and how it can improve your distillation process. Send an email or call +31114681930 for a personal consultation.
- Share this knowledge: Do you know a distillery that could benefit from this information? Pass on this page!
Choose Dutch Laureate barley; you choose quality, safety and innovation. In conclusion, let’s work together on the future of premium spirits!