13/01/2026
We often get asked how brewing is connected to distilling.
Many people don’t realise that whisky actually starts its life as beer. New make is made from distilling 'wash' which is essentially a beer made from malted barley, yeast and water.
Wash is where the flavour begins. Just like in brewing, the type of malt we choose, the mash temperature and the yeast strain all influence the aromas and taste compounds that develop during fermentation. For example, using pale ale malt can create bright, fruity notes while crystal or chocolate malts add roasted depth and complexity. Fermentation times and temperatures are also carefully controlled to ensure we capture the right balance of flavour before the wash ever reaches the still.
Once distilled, this wash becomes our new make spirit, carrying with it all the character developed in the brewing stage. It’s the foundation of the whisky’s flavour, before cask maturation begins. Essentially, every whisky we produce starts life as a carefully crafted beer, with brewing expertise guiding every step.
At Levenbank, our background in brewing at Loch Lomond Brewery isn’t just a side skill, it’s central to how we make whisky. By understanding the science of malt, yeast and fermentation, we can create new make spirits with depth, vibrancy and a distinct character that reflects both our brewing heritage and our distilling ambition.
