Waterford Distillery, an organic whisky producer in Ireland, has unveiled a new flagship cuvée to its core lineup. Biodynamic: Cuvée Luna is Waterford’s “most radical” whisky so far, using 100% Irish-grown barley and regenerative farming methods, as well as a very complex maturation program.  

Waterford Biodynamic: Cuvée Luna is now available to purchase from Waterfordwhisky.com as well as The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt for an RRP of £89.95 (~$95). 

Waterford has always been a brand that focuses heavily on terroir and barley quality and is dedicated to producing organic whiskies using environmentally friendly methods. This is something that Founder, Mark Reynier, believes translates into the whisky. 

Cuvée Luna is produced using biodynamic farming methods, a form of “supercharged regenerative agriculture” that originated post-World War I. Many of the best winemakers in the world use biodynamic farming. Practices used at the distillery involve creating “vibrant living soil and barley crop by treating the farm as a self-contained living eco-system, with the application of homemade organic preparations that follow the ancient lunar calendar.” 

The release of Waterford Biodynamic: Cuvée Luna comes as Waterford’s intake of biodynamic farmers to look after the land has reached six. Initially, three biodynamic farmers were on board at Waterford – Trevor Harris, John McDonnell and Alan Mooney. 

To encourage perfect balance and complexity, the whisky distilled from the biodynamic harvests was matured in a combination of 37% first-fill American oak, 17% virgin American oak, 25% French premium oak, and 21% Vin Doux Naturel casks. This maturation program is complex, but results in a smooth and harmonious spirit. 

Tasting notes for the Luna are as follows: “Building on the distillery’s trademark artisanal bakery aromas, the whisky has flavours of green apple, hay, malted biscuits, peaches and breadcrust complimented with hints of lemon curd, breakfast cereals, herbal tea, porridge, cream and spice giving the whisky a long, creamy and gently-spiced finish.”

As is the case with all Waterford whiskies, the Luna has been given a unique ‘TÉIREOIR CODE’, which chronicles the whisky’s journey from barley to bottle for full transparency. 

CEO and Founder of Waterford Distillery, Mark Reynier, sums up Waterford’s approach to whisky making by saying: “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 Future of Whisky: Biodynamic Farming

Waterford Distillery’s commitment to biodynamic farming is a testament to the growing trend of sustainability and quality in the whisky industry. Reynier’s belief that “farming used to be” is a powerful statement, highlighting the potential of returning to traditional methods to create truly exceptional whiskies. 

Waterford’s Biodynamic Approach: A Deeper Dive

Waterford’s biodynamic approach extends beyond the use of biodynamic barley. The distillery’s focus on terroir and the unique characteristics of each farm is a key element of its philosophy. This means that each bottle of Waterford whisky tells a story, a story of the farm, the barley, and the people who made it. 

Waterford has built a strong reputation for its commitment to quality and sustainability. Biodynamic: Cuvée Luna is a testament to this commitment, demonstrating the potential of biodynamic farming to create truly exceptional whiskies. By focusing on the farm and the barley, Waterford is leading the way in the new era of whisky making.

A Toast to the Future

Waterford’s Biodynamic: Cuvée Luna is a bold step forward for the distillery, showcasing the potential of biodynamic farming and a commitment to quality and sustainability. It is a whisky that speaks to the future of the industry, a future where terroir, sustainability, and quality are paramount.

Waterford is not just making whisky; it’s creating a new chapter in the history of Irish whisky. And with its innovative approach to farming and whisky making, it’s a chapter that promises to be both exciting and delicious.