Waterford Luna 1.1 Biodynamic

Luna 1.1 is the world's first single malt whisky distilled from biodynamic barley and the second major release in Waterford's Arcadian Series after the organic Gaia line. Certified by Demeter, the barley was grown by three Irish farmers, Trevor Harris, Alan Mooney and John McDonnell, following the agricultural principles laid out by the Austrian polymath Rudolf Steiner in 1924. Biodynamic farming treats each farm as a self contained organism, using lunar cycles, natural compost preparations and an absence of synthetic inputs. The approach is widely adopted among the world's most celebrated wine producers but remains rare in whisky production. An outturn of 21,000 bottles was released. Every bottle carries the TÉIREOIR code that links to the full farm and cask records.

Maturation used the Waterford standard combination of first fill Bourbon, virgin American oak, premium French oak and Vin Doux Naturel casks. First fill Bourbon contributes vanillin and coconut lactones. Virgin American oak adds toasted sugar and raw lignin derived spice. French oak delivers finer grained tannins and clove phenolics. The Vin Doux Naturel casks, previously holding fortified sweet wines from southern France, layer in oxidised fruit esters and concentrated sweetness. Bottled at 50% without chill filtration or added colour.

The nose shows apricot jam, fresh fruit salad and earthy notes. The palate carries white pepper, cloves, warm fruit and a finish of dark chocolate, liquorice and biscuit.