When it comes to purchasing grain from a rye grain supplier, climate is one of many factors that play a key role in the process. Climate affects everything from the production of the grain all the way to energy being used to produce the bourbon. Here are three ways in which the climate may impact the environment or how the distilling process impacts the environment itself.

Grain Production

Thinking about how the grain production process is impacted by climate change due to the effects of greenhouse gases in the environment, we have to look at the rye fields themselves.   Since it’s predicted that Kentucky will be experiencing more rainfall and warmer summers in the coming years, it doesn’t look there will be a huge impact on the grain production.  There are continued studies that are looking into how grain production will impact rye grain merchants and their customers in the long-term future.

Aging

The aging process of bourbon is what lends to its signature rich flavor.  Bourbon is often aged in a non climate controlled building called a rickhouse.  Warmer Kentucky summers could play a major role when it comes to moving the aging liquor barrels.  It is a challenge to predict the full impact that the weather will have on this part of the process.  The main expectation is that there will be more bourbon lost through the wood from evaporation.

Energy Usage

The bourbon distilling process is energy intensive.  Many (if not most) distilleries use gas boilers as their source of energy in this process.  There are also many who supplement their use of gas heat with the use of wood burners to generate the energy needed.  This is a process that is not likely to change altogether, but there are ways in the making that can help distilleries to reduce their carbon emissions.

From start to finish, the environment plays a role in the bourbon making process beginning with the rye grain company all the way to the technology used in the distilling process.  However, it doesn’t look like the bourbon industry will have many negative effects due to the increased heat of Kentucky. So keep enjoying the great taste of your favorite bourbon!