A SUSTAINABLE SPIRIT: DISCOVERING THE ART OF WHISKY AT BUS WHISKY DISTILLERY

On Saturday, 13th July, we had the pleasure of visiting Bus Whisky, a distillery tucked away in the hamlet of Bus in Nistelrode, Netherlands. Bus Whisky are renowned for their sustainable practices and farm-to-bottle approach, and the tour offered an informative experience.

Our tour began with a warm welcome at the distillery, where we were introduced to the history and ethos of Bus Whisky. Bus Whisky was founded in 2019 and the distillery has quickly risen to prominence in the Dutch whisky scene, becoming the second-largest producer in the country. The distillery prides themselves on their sustainable practices, drawing water from a unique geological formation known as the Peelrand fault. This fault dates back tens of thousands of years, it enriches the water with minerals and contributes to the distinct flavour profile of the whisky.

The tour included an informative video that showed us the history of the distillery. We learned about their origins and rapid growth from a small start-up to an internationally recognised and award winning brand. The commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of their production, from the regenerative farming of malting barley, to the energy-efficient production processes powered by solar panels and heat pumps.

Next, we were taken to the warehouse, where we saw rows upon rows of barrels, primarily first-fill bourbon and sherry casks. Each barrel is carefully selected by the team, who travel to Scotland and Spain to ensure the highest quality. 

After the warehouse tour, we were led to the tasting room, where we had the opportunity to sample some of the whisky. The tasting demonstrated the distillery’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship. The non-chill filtration process and the absence of additives allowed the authentic flavours of the whisky to shine through, providing a pure and unadulterated tasting experience.

The final part of our visit was a leisurely walk around the distillery’s impressive grounds. The fields of malting barley and the beautifully maintained landscape were a testament to Bus Whisky’s commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment. We also got to see the apiary, from which beeswax is sourced to create eco-friendly seals for the bottles, and the facility where alcohol-free beer is produced from the leftovers after firing.

Our visit to Bus Whisky was a superb experience, and we got to see first hand how sustainability is at the heart of everything they go. Bus Whisky are not only making some great whiskies, but also sets a benchmark for sustainability in the industry.