What’s the difference between organic whisky and regular whisky?

Tuesday, 09 December 2025 at 08:01

Organic products are becoming increasingly popular and the whisky world is no exception. More and more whisky brands are putting the term “Organic Whisky” on their labels. But what does that actually mean?

Whisky is made from just three ingredients: barley, yeast, and water. Yet it’s an incredibly versatile spirit with countless flavor profiles across the globe. While people often ask about the casks, the origins of the other ingredients come up far less frequently.

Lately, terms like organic single malt and organic whisky have been popping up more often. You’ll see it proudly displayed on bottles from Nc’Nean, Thy Whisky, and on certain releases from Loch Lomond, Bruichladdich, and other brands.

It’s not just a buzzword slapped on a label to stand out on the shelf. So what sets organic single malt whisky apart from “regular” whisky?

Wat je als whiskyliefhebber moet weten

EUR22.99

In Stock

Buy on bol.

What is organic whisky?

First, let’s look at the rules around producing organic (also called biological) whisky. Organic whisky is made exclusively from certified organic ingredients. The distillery, and every party involved, must meet a strict set of standards.

Only organically grown barley or grains are used.
No pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers are used in cultivation.
The production process meets stringent organic certification requirements.
There must be clear traceability from field to bottle.
No artificial additives may be present in the whisky.
Not required: A sustainable approach is used, such as renewable energy and reusable resources.
Not required: The whisky’s packaging is eco-friendly and sustainable.

What’s the difference between organic and non-organic whisky?

The difference lies in how the ingredients are grown and processed. Organic whisky is guaranteed free from pesticides, whereas that guarantee doesn’t apply to non-organic whisky.

The result can be a potentially healthier whisky but often also a pricier one. Organic farming is significantly more expensive than conventional agriculture.

How do you recognize organic whisky?

Spotting a bottle of organic whisky is usually straightforward. Distilleries often state clearly on the label that the whisky is organic. With Nc’Nean, for instance, that’s always the case.

Other brands like Deanston and Bruichladdich regularly release whiskies that are organic from grain to glass, and this is indicated on the bottle as well.