Whisky gets greener as Scottish distillers burn waste byproducts

By Nina Chestney SPEYSIDE (Reuters) – Scotch whisky distillers are burning their unwanted grain byproducts, wood chips and other types of biomass for a source of energy in remote areas of the Highlands, where gas links are scarce and fuel oil is pricey. The production of Scotch whisky has evolved over more than 500 years and is steeped in tradition. Family-run, centuries-old distilleries are trying to minimize operational costs. Most distilleries in Scotland have relied on heavy fuel oil to generate heat for distilling processes, but biomass such as wood, plant-based material or organic waste is now an increasingly attractive and reliable option.