While Scotland is globally celebrated for its mature, multifaceted whiskies, the narrative starts with a clear, potent liquid: the New Make Spirit. This spirit, undaunted by barrels and unmarked by years, showcases raw characteristics that later translate into the enriched profiles of aged Scotch.
What is New Make Spirit
New Make Spirit, or “Raw Spirit”, is the fresh-off-the-still, unaged whisky, a transparent, robustly flavoured liquid that serves as the foundation for all Scotch. Before the influences of oak, time, and environment play their part, the New Make offers a candid look into the intrinsic character of the whisky-to-be.
Although it lacks the depth introduced through ageing, New Make is rich in its distinct notes. Grain-forward, fruity, estery, and often accompanied by a robust alcoholic punch, its profile reflects the ingredients and fermentation processes employed, offering enthusiasts a glimpse into what the future whisky might become.
Malting and Mashing
Every Scotch whisky, and thus every New Make Spirit, commences its journey with malting. Barley is soaked, germinated, and then dried, often over peat, introducing the first layer of flavour. The malted barley is then milled and mashed to extract fermentable sugars.
Fermentation
The sugary liquid, or wort, is transferred to washbacks, where yeast is introduced. Yeast plays a pivotal role not only in alcohol production but also in developing crucial flavour compounds, such as esters, which greatly influence the New Make’s character.
Distillation
Post-fermentation, the wash is distilled, commonly in pot stills. Distillation is a meticulous art, where the distiller makes crucial ‘cuts’, segregating the heart (the desired spirit) from the heads and tails (unwanted fractions). The heart, free from impurities and boasting an alcohol content of 65-70%, is the New Make Spirit.
The Role of New Make in Whisky Making
Understanding and quality-controlling New Make Spirit is crucial for distillers. While ageing in oak barrels significantly influences the final whisky, the foundational flavours are crafted in the New Make. Thus, distilleries often have specific flavour profiles they aim to achieve in their New Make, which foretells the mature spirit’s character.
Legalities and Regulations
In Scotland, stringent laws oversee whisky production. The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 mandates that Scotch whisky must be distilled and aged in Scotland for at least three years, meaning the New Make must slumber in casks, absorbing complexity and character, before it can officially be deemed whisky.
New Make Spirit in the Market
While traditionally New Make has been a behind-the-scenes player, it’s increasingly stepping into the spotlight. Distilleries like Bruichladdich and Ardbeg have released their New Make Spirits for consumers, allowing them to explore the raw, untamed profiles and understand the base from which their beloved whiskies evolve.
Crafting Cocktails with New Make
In recent years, bartenders have been delving into the use of New Make Spirits in cocktails. Its robust, grainy, and fruity notes introduce a different dimension to mixed drinks, acting as a robust backbone against other flavours and providing a spirited punch to concoctions.
Navigating the Challenges
While releasing New Make Spirit commercially does demystify the early stages of whisky, it also poses challenges. The robust, unrestrained nature of the spirit, coupled with its potent alcohol content, can be overpowering to unacquainted palates. Furthermore, with consumers largely acclimated to the deep, oaken notes of aged whisky, New Make demands a palate shift, being appreciated for its raw, unabashed character rather than its depth and maturity.The New Make Spirit, while traditionally overshadowed by its aged descendants, unequivocally holds its own in the sphere of spirits. It’s not only the precursor to the beloved Scotch whiskies but also a spirited expression in its own right, offering enthusiasts a vibrant, unfiltered encounter with the soul of whisky. This pure spirit tells a story of grains, fermentation, and distillation uncoloured by the patina of age, affording drinkers a unique exploration of flavour and craft that is inherent in the heart of every bottle of Scotch.