What are the principal by-products of Scotch Whisky?

The liquids and solids remaining after distillation are not wasted. nor are they allowed to pollute rivers or coastlines. In recent years the Scotch Whisky Industry has invested heavily in developing methods of treating the residue of distillation so that it now makes an important contribution to the animal foodstuffs industry.

Most distilleries now possess by-products plants or, in the case of smaller distilleries in remote areas, send their waste material to the area plants which process it into dark grains. These are extremely rich in protein and are sold in pelletised form to farmers who use them to enrich cattle food. Grain Whisky distilleries usually recover the carbon dioxide produced during the fermentation stage. This has several applications in industry and in the production of soft drinks.

© SWA 1995