Exploiting yeast diversity in whisky fermentation for biocatalysis of desirable flavour compounds

Lead Research Organisation: Abertay University
Department Name: Sch of Science Engineering and Tech

Abstract

The project is a cooperation of Abertay University and the SWRI with funding from IBioIC BBSRC.
The aim of the project is to use unusual (non-saccharomyces) yeast for the whisky fermentation. We will monitor the fermentation performance different yeast strains and the flavour profile of the new make spirits.
It will include a sensory part at Abertay University and the SWRI.

Publications

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Studentship Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Student Name
BB/R505201/1 01/10/2017 12/11/2021
2025753 Studentship BB/R505201/1 01/10/2017 30/09/2021 Martina Daute
 
Description The aim of this award to test how different yeast strains influence the aroma of whisky. So far it can be seen that there is a wide variety, but the analysis are still ongoing.
Exploitation Route After being published, it is most likely that the variety of yeast strains for the Scotch whisky industry will be increased.
Sectors Agriculture, Food and Drink

 
Description Napping is provided as a new sensory technique for the whisky industry by the SWRI.
First Year Of Impact 2019
Sector Agriculture, Food and Drink
Impact Types Policy & public services

 
Description Abertay Chancellor Bestows Postgraduate Student Fund
Amount £500 (GBP)
Organisation Abertay University 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2019 
End 10/2019
 
Description Travel grant - IBD
Amount £500 (GBP)
Organisation Institute Of Brewing and Distilling 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 07/2017 
End 07/2017
 
Description The Scotch Whisky Research Institute 
Organisation Scotch Whisky Research Institute
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution The PhD is a collaboration of Abertay University and The Scotch Whisky Research Institute (SWRI). The PhD student is working in close collaboration and implements new sensory and analytical methods.
Collaborator Contribution The PhD is a collaboration of Abertay University and The Scotch Whisky Research Institute (SWRI). The SWRI assists with method development, industry knowledge and a placement at their institute the PhD project.
Impact -SWRI offers Napping as a sensory technique
Start Year 2017
 
Description Technical talks and tour of IBioIC FlexBio facility 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact First technical talks of the IBD Scottish Section in 2020 with a focus on whisky production. Postgraduate students presented their work and were open for question by industry and fellow students. Good chance for new collaborations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Dundee Primary Schools Science week 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Learning to be a seal scientist: activities showcasing some of the techniques we use to answer important questions in seal research. Pupils got a chance to have lab and field experience in observing, measuring and recording their results
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description STEM Event: Harris Academy 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact School career event. PhD student went to the school to bring Abertay and to bring the course food technology closer to the students. Students could go to the stable and ask question as well engage with the equipment.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description STEM GO4SET 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Student groups were working over 10 weeks on a project and presented it. During the event they good feedback.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description STEM: Science Week: What does your shoes says about you? 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact During the science week group of students (20-30) attend different courses related to science. Course was about forensic investigation.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Year of Young People 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Students came to the university to learn about different courses and had a practical research exercise related to the topic.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018