Kim Marotta named VP – Global Environmental Sustainability, Rachel Roberts becomes Global VP – Consumer & Society Sustainability

CHICAGO, IL – June 14, 2021 – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, has named Kim Marotta as its first Vice President – Global Environmental Sustainability, and Rachel Roberts as its first Global Vice President –Consumer & Society Sustainability. These experienced leaders will each spearhead pillars of Proof Positive, Beam Suntory’s sustainability strategy, with long-term commitments to leave a positive impact. 

“Proof Positive is our set of bold ambitions to secure a more sustainable and equitable future for our environment, our consumers and our communities,” said Beam Suntory President & CEO Albert Baladi. “We are proud of our commitments, and I am very pleased to have such strong leaders in place to advance this agenda, which is critical to our legacy and the future of our industry.”

Marotta Leads Nature Positive Commitments
 
Marotta joins Beam Suntory after 17 years with Molson Coors Beverage Company, ultimately serving as Global Senior Director Sustainability and Enterprise Risk Management. She was an architect and leader of Molson Coors’ sustainability strategy across 14 countries, 29 breweries and 18,000 employees. She previously served for 13 years with the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office, handling a variety of legal defense matters, including those relating to racial inequalities, and ultimately served as a Deputy State Public Defender. 

In this new role, Marotta will lead the ‘Nature Positive’ pillar of Beam Suntory’s sustainability strategy, which includes efforts to reduce greenhouse gasses by 50 percent across direct operations by 2030,  support the ambition to remove more carbon than is emitted across the entire value chain by 2040,  reduce water usage for every unit of production by 50 percent by 2030 and replenish more water than is used in direct operations to water sources by 2040. The company has also set ambitious goals to replenish forests, develop sustainable packaging, and more.

“Beam Suntory’s commitment to taking tangible and measurable action to support the environment underscores that this work isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s critical for both business and the planet,” Marotta said. “I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues around the world to achieve our collective Proof Positive goals, and help to create a more sustainable industry from seed to sip.” 

Roberts Leads Consumer Positive Agenda

In her role as Global VP – Consumer & Society Sustainability, Rachel Roberts will lead Beam Suntory’s ‘Consumer Positive’ commitments, including a $500 million investment in responsibility-led brand messaging, elevating the company’s Drink Smart platform, supporting evidence-based partner programs, providing consumer information on labels or online for all products, introducing new low- and no-alcohol products, and ultimately engaging more than 300 million consumers by 2030 with messages and tools to promote responsible consumption and reduce harmful drinking. 

Roberts brings more than 20 years of brand building, marketing, sales and innovation experience in the beverage, spirits, and wine industries to this role. She has held roles of increasing responsibility since joining Beam Suntory in 2006, including Vice President – Brand & Market Excellence, Vice President – Global Marketing Operations, and most recently, as General Manager –  North America Marketing. In that role, Roberts led the North America marketing organization, driving Beam Suntory’s brand building and marketing agenda across the region. Prior to Beam Suntory, Roberts held brand roles with Pepsi in Europe, and sales and marketing positions with Allied Domecq.

“I am so proud of the leadership role that Beam Suntory has played in responsible consumption, and the fact that it is absolutely fundamental to everything we do,” Roberts said. “It’s incredibly exciting to elevate our commitment to providing consumers with tools and information to enable them to make the right choices for their own personal wellbeing.”

As previously announced, Victoria Russell  joined Beam Suntory in January as the company’s first Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and leads the diversity, equity and inclusion agenda central to Community Positive, the third pillar of Proof Positive.

To learn more about Proof Positive, please visit: https://www.beamsuntory.com/en/sustainability.
 

##

About Beam Suntory 
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark® bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier® cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek®, Basil Hayden’s® and Legent™ bourbon; Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™ Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore® Scotch whisky; Canadian Club® whisky; Hornitos® and Sauza® tequila; EFFEN®, Haku® and Pinnacle® vodka; Sipsmith® and Roku™ gin; and On The Rocks® Premium Cocktails. 
 
Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com. 

© 2021 Beam Suntory, Inc., Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60654 
 

New Accreditation for UK-based gin brand supports Beam Suntory’s long-term commitments to sustainability across every facet of its value chain, from seed to sip, as part of its Proof Positive sustainability strategy
 
Chicago, IL – June 1, 2021 – Sipsmith, pioneers of the UK craft gin industry, have been awarded B Corporation Certification. To achieve this, the brand underwent a rigorous assessment of its impact on employees, customers, community, and the environment. Although it is just the beginning of their sustainability journey, receiving this accreditation emphasizes the brand’s long-term commitment to social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. 
 
Sipsmith was founded on an uncompromising pursuit of quality and craftmanship. With this certification, Sipsmith joins an extraordinary global community of like-minded businesses, spanning hundreds of different industries. This community has chosen to support – and be held accountable for – the acceleration of a global culture shift to redefine success in business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.  
 
“We have always been fueled by purpose to do things better, and we remain driven by the idea of ‘a future made by hand,’ celebrating humanity at our core,” said Sam Galsworthy, Sipsmith Founder and Chairman of the Board. “Receiving B Corporation Certification is something we are immensely proud of, and it reflects the work and passion of every Sipsmith team member. It has been an inspiring journey so far, and we are only at the beginning. Meaningful change requires a great deal of fast paddling under the surface – it demands rigor, humility, and determination. We are excited to join this esteemed global community that seeks to make a true difference, and to further take action in support Beam Suntory’s sustainability ambitions as part of Proof Positive.” 
 
Sipsmith’s parent company, Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, recently launched its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, underpinning long-term commitments to leave a positive impact on nature, consumers and society, aligned to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Proof Positive aims to create a more sustainable and equitable future for Beam Suntory and all its stakeholders.  
 
“Sipsmith’s passion to be a force for good is unsurpassed, and we are fortunate to have the energy and determination of the Sipsmith team helping lead the way on our sustainability journey,” said Albert Baladi, Beam Suntory President and CEO. “Sipsmith embodies what it means to truly take values-based action, and this certification supports Beam Suntory’s Proof Positive ambitions, setting an inspiring example for our entire business. We are incredibly proud of the work that Sam and the Sipsmith team have done to positively impact the environment, consumers and communities, in addition to creating a more equitable, vibrant workplace.”  

Proof Positive represents a more than $1 billion investment by Beam Suntory to make positive impacts on the environment, consumers, and communities around the world. It is a critical roadmap towards 2030, 2040, and beyond, setting sustainability ambitions to go beyond net-zero carbon emissions, reduce water use by 50 percent, invest $500 million to engage consumers to make responsible choices, donate 1 million volunteer hours, foster greater diversity, equity and inclusion, and more. 
 
The company’s sustainability strategy is underpinned by corporate values rooted in a strict Code of Conduct & Ethics and a rigorous Global Citizenship Policy. 
 
Beam Suntory will disclose progress against its targets each year. More information about Proof Positive can be found at: http://www.beamsuntory.com/sustainability.   

###

About Beam Suntory 
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark® bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier® cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek®, Basil Hayden’s® and Legent™ bourbon; Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™ Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore® Scotch whisky; Canadian Club® whisky; Hornitos® and Sauza® tequila; EFFEN®, Haku® and Pinnacle® vodka; Sipsmith® and Roku™ gin; and On The Rocks® Premium Cocktails. 
 
Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com. 

About Sipsmith
Pioneers of the gin renaissance, in 2009 Sipsmith successfully petitioned the government to change the law around the scale of production and set up the first copper distillery in London for 200 years.

Founded on the firm belief that everyone should sip better gin, the three passionate founders, Sam, Fairfax and Jared, set out to make a London Dry Gin of truly uncompromising quality and bring it back to its birthplace.

From the first bottle, Sipsmith have championed the belief that making gin by hand, with passion and immense skill, will lead to the most exceptional results. All Sipsmith gin is handcrafted in small batches, with a team of five dedicated distillers on three copper stills. The Sipsmith team are at the heart of every drop, with a passion to inspire ever more people to discover and enjoy their uncompromisingly handcrafted London Dry Gin. This authentic style is beautifully balanced and wonderfully versatile, making it bold enough for a G&T and smooth enough to sip neat.

In Autumn 2019, Sipsmith published its first cocktail book – SIP 100 Gin Cocktails with only 3 ingredients, masterminded by co-founder Jared Brown, who has been described as one of the most preeminent people in the drinks industry, named at number 20 in 2019’s Bar World Top 100.

Constantly innovating, the Sipsmith team bring their skill, passion and flair to every gin, never compromising on quality. Sipsmith London Dry Gin has won over 30 international awards and is used by top bartenders across the globe as an essential ingredient in a wide range of classic cocktails. Sipsmith also have an array of accolades in their awards cabinet, including: Gold + Exceptional Rating (94/100) at the Beverage Testing Institute Awards (2020), Silver Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2020), Drinks International Top 10 Trending Gin (as voted by the 50 Best Bars, 2018 & 2020), Bartenders’ Brand Awards Category Champion and Gold Medal (2020). Sipsmith has also been placed in the UK list of ‘Cool Brands’ as selected by the British public and the Cool Brand Council.

© 2021 Beam Suntory, Inc., Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60654 

• New data from Euromonitor International* sees e-commerce grow by 33% globally, while total volume of alcohol sales fell by 6% year on year in 2020
• New global standards enhance safeguards to prevent online alcohol sale and delivery to those underage or intoxicated, and where prohibited by law
• Groundbreaking coalition spanning six continents between leading beer, wine, and spirits producers and 14 prominent global and regional online retailers, and e-commerce and delivery platforms

Today [Tuesday 25th May] sees the launch of the first-ever global standards for the online sale and delivery of alcohol beverages. This international initiative is focused on supporting consumers’ increasing demands for greater convenience with enhanced standards of responsibility to prevent sale to those underage and to reduce harmful drinking.
 
Although the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of hospitality venues in most countries throughout 2020 resulted in global alcohol sales volumes declining by more than 6% year on year in 2020, there has been an acceleration in the shift to e-commerce with the sale and delivery of alcohol online increasing by 33% globally*. In the U.S., e-commerce grew by more than 100% with Brazil and Canada seeing growth rates of more than 300%. 

In response to this trend, a global partnership of the 12 leading beer, wine, and spirits companies that form the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) and 14 prominent global and regional online retailers, and e-commerce and delivery platforms have identified five key safeguards to help ensure that robust standards are in place throughout the entire supply chain and customer journey to combat harmful drinking. 

The standards outlined in the document launched today include:
• Improving safeguards and security measures that aim to prevent minors from being able to buy alcohol 
• Putting in place mechanisms to prevent beer, wine, and spirits being delivered to minors, to individuals showing visible signs of intoxication, or where prohibited by law
• Providing tools, information, and education, or other support to drivers to empower them to deny delivery
• Enhancing consumer information and control 
• Promoting global standards as a resource to support the development of national level codes and practices for the online sale and delivery of alcohol that build on local and national regulation

The full details of the standards can be found here.

Albert Baladi, President and CEO of Beam Suntory and Chair of IARD CEO Group, said: 
“This partnership reflects the shared determination of leading alcohol producers, online retailers and e-commerce platforms to combat the harmful use of alcohol in all its forms. 
“These global safeguards for alcohol e-commerce cover the entire online purchase journey – starting from the moment a consumer begins the purchase process and travelling all the way through to the moment of delivery, helping ensure these orders don’t reach underage individuals or visibly intoxicated people.”

Henry Ashworth, IARD President and CEO, said: 
“This is a true world-first initiative in raising standards of responsibility across the board for e-commerce. This international partnership has worked together tirelessly to set global standards for the online sale and delivery of alcohol beverages, taking further concrete steps towards the elimination of alcohol sales to minors. IARD is proud to have united the world’s leading drinks producers with leading online retailers and e-commerce platforms and we invite others to join us in this landmark collaboration to raise global standards.”

With Support from Partner Hornitos® Tequila, Resource Kit Aims to Deliver Essential Vaccine Facts and Information to Spanish-Speaking Communities Across the Country; While Custom Murals in Los Angeles and Chicago Help to Spread the Message

Washington D.C., May 25, 2021 – The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the oldest and largest civil rights Hispanic organization in the United States, with the support of established partner Hornitos® Tequila, today has announced their collaboration to develop and publish the landmark community outreach kit, education and call-to-action further supporting their Vacúnate Hoy Project. The newest effort is aimed at increasing the rate of vaccinations against the coronavirus among Latinos, who are suffering the health impacts of COVID-19 at disproportionately higher levels, coupled with a historical disparity in quality health care accessible to members of this community. 

LULAC designed the resource kit in partnership with Hornitos to translate relevant information about the COVID-19 vaccine for Spanish speakers. The toolkit includes vetted information on how the vaccines work, their development processes, safety protocols and an interactive map on finding a vaccination center nearest to them. Visitors of the online toolkit can also opt-in to receive updates directly from both LULAC and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The online resource kit can be downloaded by visiting www.vacunatehoy.org/afairshot. 

“There is a continuing gap in many states between the rate of Latinos infected with COVID-19 and those who are being reached, engaged and are able to access a vaccine,” said Sindy Benavides, LULAC National Chief Executive Officer. “In partnership with Hornitos, Vacúnate Hoy is our concerted effort to help educate millions of Spanish-speaking Latinos in the U.S. about this critical topic and provide accessible information that could potentially save their life or the life of a loved one.” 

"Hornitos was established with the belief that nothing great ever happens without taking a shot in life - and this ‘shot’ in particular is so important," said Rashidi Hodari, Managing Director at Beam Suntory. “We have learned from our partners at LULAC that nearly six in ten Hispanic adults are saying they do not have enough information about the vaccine and where to receive it. This gap in information helps drive our continuous support of LULAC’s efforts to deploy these critical, life-saving resources in the native language.”

In addition to the online toolkit, Hornitos has enlisted two Latinx artists Nina Paloma and Joel Colon, to help spread awareness for the Vacúnate Hoy Project. The artists have created murals in Chicago and Los Angeles depicting colorful, encouraging scenes illustrating vaccine advocacy and prompting viewers to learn more about receiving the vaccine. The murals will each feature a QR code directly linking to the resources and online toolkit for easy reference.

For more information about LULAC, visit www.lulac.org, follow @LULAC on Twitter and Instagram or like LULAC on Facebook. For more information about Hornitos Tequila, visit www.hornitostequila.com, follow @HornitosTequila on Twitter and Instagram or like Hornitos Tequila on Facebook.
 
About LULAC
Established in 1929, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC's programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.

About Hornitos® Tequila
Hornitos® Tequila has a history of breaking tradition dating back to 1950 when founder Don Francisco launched the brand in honor of Mexican Independence Day. The Hornitos family of tequilas keeps Don Francisco's legacy alive, using the same high standards to cultivate the best and most flavorful agaves, molding them into premium tequilas that everyone can enjoy. He brought the celebrated spirit to new heights with the agave-robust Reposado, broke the rules to create a crystalline Plata, went above and beyond tequila standards to make an ultra-smooth and aromatic Añejo and pushed the boundaries of tequila innovation with whiskey barrel aged Hornitos® Black Barrel® Tequila and Hornitos Cristalino.

70 years later, Hornitos inspires its fans to adopt the same boundary-pushing mindset through its "A Shot Worth Taking" campaign that highlights the extraordinary things that can happen when people are willing to take a chance. Since the inception of "A Shot Worth Taking" in 2017, Hornitos has empowered fans to take their shot and provided funds and opportunities to make their aspirations achievable.

Drink Responsibly. Hornitos® Tequila, 40% alc./vol. ©2021 Sauza Tequila Import Company, Chicago, IL
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

The Iconic Kentucky Bourbon is Calling for Stories of Best Friends, Mentors and More as Part of its "Remarkable Home Bar" Contest

LORETTO, Ky., May 19, 2021 – Today, Maker's Mark® Bourbon announced that it has teamed up with famed interior designer, author, and television personality Orlando Soria, to bring people together for the ultimate #MakersHour cocktail hour with its Remarkable Home Bar contest. With at-home cocktailing here to stay, the iconic Kentucky bourbon is inviting fans 21 years and older to nominate a friend, family member or mentor that they would love to share a cocktail hour with, for a chance to receive a pair of custom home bar makeovers this summer, both expertly designed and curated by Soria. 

“Over the past year, we’ve all come to appreciate the art of an excellent homemade cocktail, but what makes a cocktail hour most enjoyable isn’t just about what’s in your glass,” said Rob Samuels, 8th-Generation Whisky Maker and Managing Director at Maker’s Mark. “It’s about all the personal details – from the space where you’re enjoying it, to the company you’re enjoying it with. Calling upon Orlando's great taste, we’re honored to help create that perfect Maker’s Hour for one of our fans and someone who has played a remarkable role in their life.”

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Remarkable Home Bar contest kicks off on Twitter on May 19 and runs through June 9, with fans being encouraged to shout-out to a remarkable person in their life – near or far – that they would most like to treat to a Maker’s Hour. Whether that’s a friend, teacher, parent or coach, Twitter nominations can highlight just about anyone who pours the same heart into seeing you thrive that Maker’s Mark does into crafting each bottle of bourbon at its distillery. 

A winning duo will be rewarded with Soria personally consulting and creating two custom home bar spaces. The “two-of-a-kind” bars will each be designed to mirror each other with a cohesive aesthetic, so that the selected pair can share a drink ‘at the bar,’ whether physically together or virtually in their respective homes. 
“Good interior design in any room is about creating a space that makes you feel that you’re living your best life, and I’m so excited to collaborate with Maker’s Mark to do that with a pair of bar spaces where treating yourself feels so natural,” said Orlando Soria, Interior Designer and ‘Bar Architect’ for the Remarkable Home Bar program.  “I want to use these designs to help whisky drinkers connect with each other in their homes the same way they would at a high-end bar!” 

HOW TO ENTER

To nominate a remarkable person and enter for the chance for both of you to win a home bar makeover:

•  Log into Twitter between May 19-June 9, 2021.
•  In 280 characters or less, tell us about the remarkable person in your life, who must also be 21 years of age or older, that you would like to treat to a Maker’s Hour and why.
•  Tag @MakersMark and use #MakersHour so we can find your nomination.
•  Don’t worry, we won't just show up and start building in your home. We'll let you know if your nomination is in the running and will notify you if you’ve won.

Once selected, Maker’s Mark®, Orlando Soria and a team of licensed professionals will safely survey the winning spaces to create the fully-customized ‘two-of-a-kind’ home bar areas that are sure to be the talk of the neighborhood. Each bar will be complete with bar seating for up to four guests, gorgeous bottle displays, accent pieces, functional drinks equipment, and the perfect lighting to set the tone for the ultimate Maker’s Hour. For more information, visit https://makershour.makersmark.com/remarkable-home-bar, head to @MakersMark on Twitter or follow #MakersHour.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. You must be a legal resident of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia (“D.C.”) and 21 years of age or older to participate in the Contest. Void where prohibited. Subject to complete official rules. Link to privacy policy. Contest begins 8:30am Central Standard Time (“CST”) on May 19, 2021. All entries must be received by 12:00pm CST on June 9, 2021.

###

About Orlando Soria
A California native, Orlando Soria has been a staple of the design community for more than ten years. After growing up in Yosemite National Park, he moved to the east coast for college, where he received degrees from Cornell and The University of Pennsylvania. After working as a music publicist in New York City he landed back on the West Coast, where his career in design began. He got his big break into the world of HGTV and interior design when he was hired as Emily Henderson’s assistant on the series “Secrets from a Stylist.” Since, he’s operated his own design firm, created Hommemaker Blog (now OrlandoSoria.com), written a book called “Get It Together,” and filmed two seasons of his HGTV show “Build Me Up.” 

About Maker's Mark® Bourbon
In 1953, in Loretto, Ky., Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency and, finally, aged each barrel to taste. Bill Samuels, Sr., transformed bourbon from a "commodity" into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker's Mark® continues to make its bourbon the same way. In recent years, Maker’s Mark® has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio, including Maker's Mark 46®, Maker's Mark® Cask Strength and Maker's Mark® Private Selection, the brand's first-ever custom barrel program. For more information, visit makersmark.com.

About Beam Suntory Inc.
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company's brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark® bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden's and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher's, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and Midori liqueur. 

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com. 

WE MAKE OUR BOURBON CAREFULLY.  PLEASE ENJOY IT THAT WAY.
Maker's Mark® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 45% Alc./Vol. ©2021 Maker's Mark Distillery, Inc., Loretto, KY.

‘WhiskHy’ study was funded by BEIS Green Distilleries Competition

14th May 2021 - Supercritical Solutions Ltd (Supercritical) has successfully completed a three-month feasibility study for its green hydrogen-based decarbonisation technology at Beam Suntory’s Ardmore distillery, located in Kennethmont, Aberdeenshire.

Supercritical’s ‘Project WhiskHy’ was one of just 17 green innovation projects to be awarded an initial grant from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) in January 2021. Following the feasibility study, Supercritical is now in the running for a second round of funding from BEIS to develop, deploy and scale this technology at Ardmore over the next three years.

With ‘Project WhiskHy’, Supercritical has designed the world’s first supercritical, ultra-efficient, high pressure electrolyser, which would enable a distillery like Ardmore to produce and store hydrogen on site, powered only by the distillery’s wastewater and local renewable power sources. The green hydrogen can then be looped back into the distillery's heat or power system to minimise, and ultimately eliminate, its reliance on fossil fuels. Supercritical’s initial feasibility study has demonstrated a clear pathway for the Ardmore distillery to become a zero-carbon distillery, reliant only on its local natural resources, by 2040. This technology would be the first of its kind and could be deployed across distilleries of all sizes, as well as other industries.

Supercritical, in partnership with Beam Suntory, the Centre for Process Innovation, Xodus Group and DNV, has issued a comprehensive report of its findings, which has also been submitted to BEIS. An executive summary of the WhiskHy report can be downloaded from supercritical.solutions/whiskhy.

Project WhiskHy is now in the process of bidding for a further grant from BEIS to allow it to build and deploy this technology at scale at the Ardmore distillery.

Matt Bird, Chief Executive at Supercritical, commented: “Extracting hydrogen from the distillery wastewater using local renewable energy means we could eliminate carbon emissions from the distilling process at a lower cost than the fossil fuels used today.”

Luke Tan, Chief Product officer at Supercritical added: “The WhiskHy feasibility study was a great opportunity to demonstrate the global reach and potential for Supercritical’s technology. With Phase 2 approved, Ardmore distillery will be the first of many to benefit from our UK developed high pressure, ultra- efficient green hydrogen solution.”

Alistair Longwell, Senior Manager, Scotch Distillation & Maturation Operations at Beam Suntory, added: “Beam Suntory is proud to support the Scotch Whisky sector’s ambitious journey towards full decarbonisation, and we are delighted to support this innovative project. As part of our Proof Positive sustainability strategy, Beam Suntory is aiming to go beyond net zero carbon emissions across our value chain by 2040 – and technologies like Project WhiskHy will help us get there.”
 

About Supercritical Solutions LTD
We are developing the world’s first high pressure, ultra-efficient electrolyser, for the production of Hydrogen and Oxygen from water, with zero emissions. By using heat and pressure our proprietary design allows us to exploit the benefits of supercritical water and deliver gases at over 200 bar of pressure, without the expense or challenges of hydrogen compressors.

Supercritical has had great success over their short lifetime. Founded in June 2020 from Deep Science Ventures and supported by Angel Investment and a FTSE-100. In August 2020 they were awarded funding by OGTC for the potential the technology could offer the oil and gas industry, and now recognition in the distilling industry too. Due to the versatility of the technology, conversations are taking place with multiple other hard-to-decarbonise sectors about the use of the technology.

To find out more visit www.supercritical.solutions

About Beam Suntory Inc.
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Ardmore, Laphroaig, Bowmore and Glen Garioch Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

About Xodus Group
As a leading global energy consultancy, we help clients overcome challenges, add value to opportunities and maximise returns on investments, responsibly. Our values of trust, responsibility and excellence underpin our vision. They are at the heart of decision making and inform our future strategy.

In offering expert advice and solving complex problems, our multi-skilled specialists work across the energy spectrum to address industry problems. By combining technology with our knowledge, we create better business outcomes whether it is advisory, project development or in operational support. Together, we will deliver a responsible energy future - www.xodusgroup.com

Headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland with a global operations centre in London, Xodus has offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Orkney, Egypt, Perth, Australia and Boston and Houston in the US.

About Centre for Process Innovation
CPI acts as a catalyst bringing together academia, businesses, government and investors to translate bright ideas and research into the marketplace. We do this by giving our customers access to the right experts, equipment, networks, funding and more – connecting the dots for effective innovation.
We are a leading independent technology innovation centre and a founding member of the UK Government’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult. Established in 2004, our teams tirelessly apply their many years of experience to ensure that every great invention gets the best opportunity to become a successfully marketed product or process. We work with our partners across diverse markets in the UK and around the world, driving their innovations forward and helping them to reduce the risk and cost associated with product development.

About DNV
We are the world's leading classification society and a recognized advisor for the maritime industry, the technical advisor to the oil and gas industry, and we deliver world-renowned testing, certification and advisory services to the energy value chain including renewables and energy management.