DYC

Introduction:

DYC is a Spanish brand of Whisky belonging to Beam Suntory, a global spirits company. The distillery produces two different types of Whisky: DYC Pure Malt and DYC Single Malt. These Whiskies are double distilled and made with malted barley and corn. In addition to the single malts, DYC also produces blended Whiskies.

One of their limited edition releases is the DYC Doble Roble Single Malt, of which only 12,000 bottles are produced. The bottles are largely made from recycled materials, reflecting the brand’s commitment to sustainability.

Another notable release is the DYC 12 Años, which was the first Whisky produced by DYC to feature a sherry cask finish. This expression is aged for 12 years and is also limited to 12,000 bottles.

DYC’s 15 Años Single Malt has received recognition in the global spirits market. It won a gold medal at the World Spirits Competition in San Francisco, along with other prestigious awards. Like the previous releases, the 15 Años Single Malt is also limited to 12,000 bottles.

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, this information is accurate. However, please note that the Whisky industry is dynamic, and there may have been updates or new releases from DYC since then. To get the most current and accurate information, I recommend checking the official DYC website or contacting the brand directly.

The Production:

The DYC distillery is situated at an elevation of over 1,000 meters above sea level, on the banks of the Eresma River, surrounded by nature and at the base of a national park. The pristine Eresma River supplies the distillery with pure, low – mineral water of excellent quality. This water plays a crucial role in the production of their Whisky.

One of the distinctive aspects of DYC distillery is its strong commitment to climate protection and environmental conservation. Alongside Whisky production, the distillery places a significant emphasis on preserving water quality and undertaking reforestation projects in the surrounding forests. DYC is considered a pioneer in environmental protection within the spirits industry.

To achieve their environmental goals, the distillery has implemented various sustainable practices. After the production process, the water used is meticulously clarified, cleaned, and filtered through an on – site water treatment plant. This process enables them to return a remarkable 98 percent of the water back to the Eresma River, thus contributing to the conservation of the river and the surrounding ecosystem.

This focus on sustainability and eco-consciousness showcases DYC’s dedication to responsible and ethical practices, making it a standout distillery in terms of both Whisky production and environmental stewardship. As the distillery continues its efforts in climate protection and conservation, it reinforces its commitment to producing high-quality spirits while actively preserving the natural environment that surrounds it.

The Pot Stills:

The DYC distillery boasts six stills, where double distillation has been a standard practice since the very first batch of Whisky production. The two – step distillation process is split between different stills.

The first distillation is carried out in stills no. 5 and no. 6. These stills are responsible for the initial extraction of alcohol from the fermented mash, resulting in a liquid known as “low wines”.

The second distillation is then conducted in stills no. 4 and no. 1. These stills take the “low wines” from the first distillation and further refine and concentrate the alcohol, separating it into different fractions to produce the final distillate.

In case of any operational issues or for backup purposes, stills no. 2 and no. 3 are available. These stills act as reserves and can be utilized for the second distillation if needed.

By employing this double distillation process across their six stills, DYC ensures the production of high – quality and flavorful Whiskies, making use of traditional techniques that have been part of their distilling process since the beginning.

Malting:

At DYC, the barley used in the production of their Whiskies is sourced from Castilla y Leon, which is one of the most important grain – producing regions in Spain. This region contributes to over a third of Spain’s total grain production.

Before the barley goes into the malt mill for further processing, it undergoes peating. Peating is a traditional process in Whisky production, where the barley is exposed to peat smoke, which imparts unique smoky and earthy flavors to the malt. This step adds a distinctive character to the DYC Whiskies, making them stand out in the market.

By using 100% barley in their malt and subjecting it to peating, DYC ensures that their Whiskies have a distinct and exceptional flavor profile, representing the unique combination of Spanish barley and traditional peating methods.

The Warehouses:

Warehouse number 1 at DYC has the capacity to hold 10,000 barrels. In total, the distillery boasts 34 warehouses, providing ample space to store up to 200,000 barrels in their aging process.

The barrels used at DYC are former bourbon barrels with a capacity of 190 litres. These barrels are not moved, opened, or refilled for as long as necessary to allow the Whisky to mature and develop its unique flavors and characteristics.

By using these ex-bourbon barrels and allowing the Whisky to age undisturbed, DYC ensures that their Whiskies achieve the desired level of maturity and complexity before being bottled and released for consumption. The aging process is a crucial step in the production of high – quality Whiskies, as it allows the spirit to interact with the oak and develop its rich and nuanced flavors over time.

The History:

Destilerías y Crianza del Whisky (DYC) has a fascinating history that dates back to the 17th century. Before Nicomedes García founded the distillery in 1958, the location was used for various purposes over the centuries. It was initially a paper production site until 1680, and later in the 19th century, it was used for flour milling.

In 1959, production at the distillery finally began on the estate of the former Molino del Arco, located in Palazuelos de Eresma in the Segovia region of Spain. The distillery started its operations, and it took a few years to refine their processes and develop their Whiskies.

The first batch of DYC Whisky was eventually bottled in 1963, marking the beginning of their commercial release of fine Spanish Whiskies. The significance of this milestone is celebrated in the visitor center, where visitors can admire the very first bottle of DYC Whisky that was ever produced. This historical artifact represents the humble beginnings of the distillery and its journey towards becoming one of Spain’s most renowned producers of Whisky.

Over the years, DYC has honed its craftsmanship and built a reputation for producing high-quality Whiskies. Today, the distillery continues to create a range of Whiskies, including both malt and blended Whiskies, capturing the essence of Spanish terroir and offering unique flavors to Whisky enthusiasts around the world.

The Visitor Centre:

The DYC Visitor Centre offers a delightful and immersive experience for visitors. The façade of the center has an antique charm, but once inside, guests are greeted by a modern and interactive setting. The center is equipped with numerous interactive panels, elaborately designed information displays, and a 48 – seat video room featuring a wood – framed screen that envelops the room over an impressive 180 – degree area. These features allow visitors to delve into the rich history and development of the distillery, as well as gain a detailed understanding of the production process behind DYC Whiskies.

Upstairs, visitors have the opportunity to indulge in Whisky tastings, exploring the distinct flavors and characteristics of DYC’s fine selection. The center also showcases the first bottles of significant DYC bottlings in elegant glass cabinets, giving visitors a glimpse into the evolution of the distillery’s offerings.

Stepping outside into the property’s courtyard, guests will find a captivating array of historical artifacts related to Whisky production. Among these are an old barley filter machine, an antique barrel press, and even a malt mill, all adding to the immersive experience.

For those who want to get a taste of the DYC experience before visiting in person, the distillery offers a virtual tour on its website. This allows individuals to familiarize themselves with the distillery, the visitor center, and the intricate production process of DYC Whiskies from the comfort of their own home.

Overall, the DYC Visitor Centre provides an enriching and educational journey into the world of DYC Whiskies, combining history, modern technology, and a delightful ambiance for a memorable experience.

Visitor information:

DYC Destilerías y Crianza del Whisky
Paraje Molino del Arco
s/n 40194 Palazuelos de Eresma
Segovia
Tel: +34 921 449 250
Email: info@dyc.es