Watch now: New Adventures in Whisky
Whisky doesn’t have to cost the Earth. These three innovative British distilleries are crafting award-winning drams while regenerating land, supporting communities, and slashing their environmental impact. Our new show, New Adventures in Whisky, tells their inspirational stories
Whisky-making, at its core, hasn’t changed much in centuries. The alchemy of grain, fermentation, and oak barrels still creates the rich, complex flavours legions of us love. But tradition comes at a cost – massive energy demands, water intensity, and industrial farming that depletes the land. What if whisky could be exceptional and ethical?
Barley teamed-up with the BAFTA-nominated actor and presenter Poppy Lee Friar to embark on a journey across the UK to meet the people behind three groundbreaking distilleries proving that sustainability and superb whisky can be happy bedfellows. These trailblazers are redefining the spirit – literally – by putting the planet and people first, without compromising on taste.
Nc’nean: Scotland’s carbon-neutral maverick
On the wild western fringe of Scotland, Nc’nean distils whisky with a 100% sustainable footprint. Powered by renewable energy, using organic Scottish barley, and bottled in recycled glass, this rebel distillery proves that luxury needn’t have a negative impact on the planet.
Bruichladdich: Islay’s community champion
Sat alongside the peat-rich shores of Islay’s Loch Indaal, Bruichladdich isn’t just making whisky – it’s sustaining an island. From regenerative barley farming to hyper-local employment, this distillery is as much about people as it is about profound, terroir-driven single malts.
Fielden: England’s heritage grain pioneer
Nestled in Shakespeare country, Fielden is reviving forgotten grains to produce England’s finest rye whisky. By championing biodiversity and small-scale farming, they’re preserving agricultural history – one exquisite sip at a time.
These aren’t just distilleries – they’re a movement. The future of whisky is here, and it tastes incredible.
Competition – win a bottle of Nc’nean whisky worth £90
To mark the launch of New Adventures in Whisky we’re offering viewers the chance to win a bottle of the exclusive limited edition (and extremely delicious) Nc’nean Huntress Lemon Meadow, worth over £90. All you have to do to be in with a chance to win is sign up to the Nc’nean newsletter here
A winner will be drawn at random on June 21st 2025. Good luck!
Watch now: Three more original films from Barley TV
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