b'more transparency, certified products can include a number onand say, Lets get this oneits local, its crafted, and its high the label indicating the exact percentage of estate-grown grains. quality. From Terroir to Sustainability Hurdles and Opportunities AheadResearch is a cornerstone of the alliances mission, and its mem- Sustainability means something different to everyone, Borders bers are driving the agenda.says. We wanted to start with simple, high-bar criteria and Our top priority is understanding the impact of terroir onexpand based on feedback from our members.flavor, specifically focusing on the grain before its received at theConsumer education will also be crucial. Were relying on our distillery, Narel says. That includes microclimates, soil manage- members to tell the story, Narel says. The success of EWC prod-ment, pesticide topography, etc. Were also looking at sustain- ucts will drive awareness and interest in this category.ability from a regional perspective by researching the challengesWhiskey-making has been around for centuries, but theres of implementing circularity throughout estate operations likestill so much opportunity for discovery through research, wastewater recovery and stillage reuse on a farm. Borders says, referring to innovation possibilties. Were eager to Using heritage and heirloom seeds is also interesting.see where our investments in education and innovation take us.Whats the influence of certain varietals on aromatic or flavor profiles? Borders asks. And how can we overcome challenges likeThe Future of Estate Whiskeygrowing barley in Kentucky, where its not traditionally cultivated? I want to see bourbon, Scotch, and even Japanese whisky with our certification mark, Borders says. It would be unprec-A Global Vision edented and incredibly powerful.While the EWA has deep Kentucky roots, its reach is broad.For Narel, the vision is clear We want the EWA mark to Weve filed trademarks in the U.S., Canada, the EU, the UKbecome synonymous with trust and excellencea signal that and Japan, Borders says. This isnt just about bourbon. Itsthis whiskey was crafted with care, from seed to sip.about creating a standard that can unite whiskey producersAs the Estate Whiskey Alliance continues to grow, its poised globally, whether theyre making bourbon, Tennessee whiskey,to elevate not only the standards of whiskey production but Canadian whisky, Scotch or Japanese whisky. also the consumer experience, creating a global community of Narel says her goal is for two friends to walk into a liquorproducers, researchers, and enthusiasts dedicated to the art of store, see the Estate Whiskey Certified (EWC) mark on a bottle,estate whiskey.SWFEBRUARY 2025SEEDWORLD.COM /19'