Scientists in Scotland Come up with Whiskey BioFuel

Apparently, according to scientists from Scotland, the distilling process that is used to create whiskey, can be used to power cars and even aviation. This means that whiskey, which is one of Scotland’s most loved products, can be used to develop a new kind of biofuel, which could be available at petrol pumps in just a few years.

By using samples from the Glenkinchie Disillery in East Lothian, researchers in Edinburgh Napier University have developed a new method of producing biofuel. Apparently this is done by using the two main byproducts of the whiskey distilling process. These byproducts are “pot ale,” which is the liquid from the copper stills, and “draff,” or the spent grains.

Reports show that large quantities of both waste products are produced each year from the £4 billion whiskey industry. The scientists say that there is real potential for a new kind of biofuel made out of this so-called waste. Not only could it be used alongside traditional fuels, it could also be used in conventional cars without adapting the engine. The team also said that this idea could be used to fuel planes and as the basis for chemicals such as acetone.

This new method gives 30 percent more power output than the traditional biofuel ethanol. It is based on a 100-year process that was originally developed to produce butanol and acetone by fermenting sugar. The research team has adapted this to use whiskey byproducts as a starting point and has filed for a patent to cover this brand new method.